It is pertinent to the Bill we are taking on Friday.

On Monday, we heard, with great fanfare, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announce that 25% of the jobs to be created by water metering would be given to the unemployed and local small businesses. However, I have a letter in my possession from a small business-----

Hold on a second, Deputy. This is the Order of Business.

It seems that to get a contract for water metering, the business must have a minimum turnover threshold of €400,000 over the past number of years.

Put down a parliamentary question about these issues.

I have but I did not get any answer.

The Deputy cannot raise it on the Order of Business.

It is on the Order of Business. The Water Services Bill and Bord Uisce are being rushed through.

What about it?

I am asking the Minister, Deputy Hogan, to be fair and honest with people and not lead them astray----

If it is going through the Dáil-----

-----applying for jobs that they cannot get because they do not have a turnover of €500,000.

Thank you, Deputy.

Is it a big boys' club?

The Government has decided to introduce a local property tax which will be applicable from July. The mechanics of this will be operated by the Revenue Commissioners. In response to Deputy Mattie McGrath's particular question, in so far as housing estates are concerned, those exempted from the €100 flat rate local charge will generally be exempted from the property tax. The Water Services Bill is on Committee Stage today so Deputy Mattie McGrath is entitled to make his case there and refer to the letter he has in his possession.