INISHOWEN TD Charlie
McConalogue has accused the Government of "betraying
householders in Donegal and across the country by
their u-turn on the introduction of a household
charge".
He said Fianna Fáil yesterday introduced a series of
comprehensive amendments to the Fine Gael/Labour
proposals of slapping householders around the
country with a €100 flat rate charge from next
month.
“The bill enforcing a household charge is being
railroaded through the Seanad at the moment.
Clearly the Government
is attempting to push the legislation through
without facilitating any real debate and without
having to consider constructive amendments," said
Deputy McConalogue.
“Fianna Fáil will not let that happen. We want to
ensure that this does not become a regressive flat
tax. Fianna Fáil (yesterday) proposed a series of
amendments to the bill to ensure that people who are
already seriously struggling to make ends meet will
not have to pay this charge."
Deputy Charlie McConalogue
The Gleneely public
representative said Fine Gael declared its
opposition to a household charge prior to the
general election in February. He said Labour opposed
the charge and “the need to take account of those
who have recently paid large sums in stamp duty or
who are in negative equity”.
"We are calling on the Labour party to live up to
those promises and support the amendments that we
are tabling to ensure that the household charge does
not adversely affect ordinary homeowners who are
already struggling to make ends meet.”
