Local authority property-tax guidelines
Deputy Cowen seeks a debate on guidelines allowing councils to vary property tax and questions whether promised reductions or increases can occur this year; the Minister defers discussion to the next session.
The previous Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, laid guidelines before the Oireachtas Library on procedures for local authorities to reduce or increase property tax. Will the Government afford the House an opportunity to discuss those guidelines? It seems to me that by virtue of the existing procedures, it will be highly unlikely or impractical for the same councils to honour the commitments given by the Labour Party before the local elections.
Comment on this
Those matters can be discussed in this House in due course. I am sure a discussion between the Whips at the start of the next session will give the Deputy an opportunity to discuss any matters relevant to the funding of local authorities.
Comment on this
There will be no increase or decrease in prospect this year then.