Property tax and Stardust tragedy
Deputy Terence Flanagan asks when property-tax revenue ring-fencing legislation will be introduced and seeks a Taoiseach’s meeting with Stardust victims; the Taoiseach refers to existing legislation and a Garda inquiry.
I wish to ask the Taoiseach about two issues under promised legislation. The first relates to the local property tax and the commitment made by the Government on 12 March last year that 80% of the property tax would be ring-fenced in the local authority area where the revenue was generated.
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Will the Taoiseach indicate when the legislation will be introduced to put into effect that commitment? The second issue relates to the fact that this is the 33rd anniversary of the Stardust tragedy in Artane. Will the Taoiseach meet the Stardust victims committee given the new evidence that has come to light?
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By doing so, the Taoiseach could help to bring closure to this matter.
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Not on the Order of Business. Table a parliamentary question on all these things. Is there promised legislation?
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The promised legislation has gone through. People will elect councillors this year. Those councillors will have a direct impact in respect of the property charge, commercial rates, parking charges and so on as they relate to towns and main streets throughout the country.
I understand a new inquiry is being followed through by the Garda in respect of the survivors of the Stardust tragedy. My advice before was that if there was new evidence, it should be produced. Obviously, the Garda will conduct an inquiry into whatever that new evidence is.