Property tax legislation
Micheál Martin sought details on property-tax legislation and waivers for those unable to pay; the Taoiseach said the Government had not finalised the details and would address them in the budget.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, has given a commitment on forthcoming legislation that people who genuinely cannot pay the property tax will be eligible for a waiver or can have it attached against the value of their property. When can we expect legislation to provide a property tax? Also, will the legislation promised by the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, on the provision of a waiver system be separate legislation or will the waiver system be attached to the legislation introducing the property tax?
On a second matter, I ask the Taoiseach to indicate to the House the arrangements for the Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Health. There was a very flawed Estimate last year, as we know, and an additional sum of approximately €400 million is needed. When will that be brought before the House and will the Government allow time for a debate on the Supplementary Estimate?
Comment on this
The Government has not signed off on the question of the property tax yet. That will be a matter for presentation-----
Comment on this
Sorry, but could the Taoiseach repeat that please?
Comment on this
The Government has not signed off on the details of the property tax yet. That will be a matter for presentation in the budget next week. Bilateral discussions are still being conducted by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and each individual Minister. These have not been fully signed off either so I cannot give the Deputy a date for the conclusion of the discussions between the Minister for Health and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Deputy can take it, however, that there will be ample time for discussion on all aspects of the budget, including the Estimate for the Department of Health.