I raise an issue regarding property tax. The Government in the last couple of weeks stated there would not be any changes to the property tax system for the next 12 months. A couple with a State pension contributory entitlement will now have an annual income of €25,800 and that will now push them above the threshold to qualify for a deferral of property tax, which is now set at €25,000 for a couple and €15,000 for an individual. This deferral is very important for some couples because they find the cost of living very high. Some couples with a State pension contributory entitlement may now find they have to pay property tax for the first time. Is this an anomaly and will the Minister deal with it? Will the threshold be increased from €25,000 to cover those now in receipt of €25,800 per year?

That is quite a technical question. I will try to get an answer for the Deputy from the Department of Finance. My understanding is that the Minister for Finance has recommended to the Government, and we have accepted it, that we effectively freeze the current arrangements. The review of the property tax that is needed will be pushed back by 12 months. I will respond to the Deputy with a more detailed answer regarding the issue of thresholds for those with pension income.