Property tax reform
Deputy Ryan asked what the Government planned to do about property tax and suggested replacing it with a site value tax. The Minister said the Cabinet wanted a fair local property tax regime and would work toward agreement for 2020.
When it comes to the issue of property tax, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan, seems to be saying that there should be one law for the rest of the country and another for the well-to-do. The Independent Alliance, sniffing a popular decision about to be made, is keen to get a credit ahead of the pack. What exactly is the Government planning to do, legislatively or otherwise, on property tax? Will the Taoiseach consider undoing the mistake made six or seven years ago and introducing a site value tax rather than the formal property tax, which is being undone by his own Cabinet before our eyes?
Comment on this
Where is Deputy Ross? Is he canvassing?
Comment on this
I can assure the Deputy that all members of the Cabinet are eager to build on the local property tax to come up with a regime that continues to be fair to everybody. I am sure that it is not only the Minister, Deputy Madigan, who is concerned about the matter. I am sure it is of concern to Deputy Catherine Martin, the Deputy's party colleague. I see her nodding in agreement and am glad she also has an appreciation of this issue.
Comment on this
I am arguing for a site value tax.
Comment on this
I look forward to working with all my colleagues in Cabinet to get agreement on how we can ensure that the local property tax in 2020 is fair, affordable and brings clarity to where everybody stands.