The deadline for registering returns for the local property tax, LPT, on 7 November is approaching. Many homeowners are scrambling to do their registration on time. However, many people would not necessarily be familiar with dealing with the Revenue Commissioners as they would not have any reason to, while others are not comfortable doing their business online. Some people believe they need valuations. In addition, the helpline is being overwhelmed and there is pressure on the online tool. This is causing more distress for people who want to do their business. I acknowledge that the Revenue Commissioners have seen there is a problem and are extending the times the call centre is open, but we need to consider moving the deadline to give people a greater opportunity to do their business. Can the 7 November deadline be extended for LPT returns?

First, I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. As usual, he is on the money in terms of the level of activity under way in this regard and on the challenges. The Revenue Commissioners' experience is that from the volume of activity the vast majority of homeowners want to do the right thing by filing their LPT returns on time as the deadline fast approaches. The helpline is exceptionally busy at present with an average of 10,000 calls being answered every day. When customers have difficulty getting through to the helpline they are encouraged by the Revenue Commissioners to try again later in the day if they can. In addition, following an announcement made by the Revenue Commissioners yesterday, extended opening hours are in place for its LPT helpline today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Revenue Commissioners will consider further extended opening hours this week should the level of demand for the LPT service remain high. As regards LPT returns filing levels, as of yesterday evening over 810,000 LPT returns had been filed, with over 93% of these being filed online. Currently, the number being filed online is approximately 75,000 per day. The Revenue Commissioners will keep with it and they expect the number to get to well over 100,000 per day.