On the commitments contained in the programme for Government and in the context of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, it has emerged - in response to a query from an Teachta Pearse Doherty - that a Minister of the Government, the Attorney General or a Minister of State who maintains a second residence shall be granted a deduction in respect of water charges under the dual abode allowance provision. Effectively, this means that Ministers such as the Taoiseach will pay no water charges in respect of their second homes. This on a day when citizens will be shocked to hear that their water bills will be vastly higher than the Government previously signalled.

Is legislation promised in this area?

That is the question to which I am coming. In keeping with the commitment in the programme for Government in respect of political reform, does the Government have any intention of amending the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997?

I stay in a small apartment not far from here and received my notice from Irish Water. I do not believe the apartment is metered, unless it is done on a central basis. I have been asking questions about the matter. Obviously, I intend to pay whatever my water charge will be. I have not come across an arrangement for amending the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. However, I will obtain a report on the matter for the Deputy.