Dáil to debate Bill to axe the Property Tax

» Mark Moloney

The Dáil will vote on the Bill on Wednesday evening and anti-Property Tax campaigners have been urged to attend a demonstration at 6pm outside Leinster House to show their support for the Repeal Bill

THE DÁIL debates a Bill on Tuesday and Wednesday that could see the Property Tax overturned and those who have already paid refunded.

The Property Tax Repeal Bill 2013 has been put forward by Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD.

Speaking alongside demonstrators urging support for the Bill, Pearse Doherty said outside Leinster House on Tuesday:

“The Property Tax is another austerity tax that will only further pressurise those in mortgage arrears. It reduces disposable incomes and has a negative effect on consumer spending and, in turn, jobs.”

Due to the ability – and stated determination – of the Revenue Commissioners to take the tax direct from home owners' wages or social welfare if they don't pay, only a Repeal Bill such as the one proposed by Sinn Féin can defeat the tax.

There has been public pressure on TDs from the Government parties, particularly Labour, in recent weeks to break ranks and support the Bill. In some areas such as Waterford, petitions signed by hundreds of constituents have been handed in to Government TDs' constituency offices.

Pearse Doherty said that if the Bill is voted down, Sinn Féin “are committed to repealing this tax if in government after the next election”.

• Petitions calling for the Government to 'Axe the Tax' are fashioned into the shape of a house outside the Dáil