Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
Household charge

New household charge could be docked from wages or welfare

People who boycott the annual payment – including several TDs – could see it taken directly from their paychecks or benefits, the Government has confirmed.

PEOPLE WHO REFUSE to pay the new household charge may see the payment docked from their wages or welfare payments, the Government has confirmed.

The move means anyone who does not pay – including a number of TDs who have pledged to boycott the Budget measure – is unlikely to face prison, but will simply see the sum taken from their income at source.

However, opposition TDs have warned that non-payers could face fines of up to €2,500 as well as legal costs if they are brought to court.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has said that he intends to introduce a system of “attachment orders”, allowing the Government to collect fines directly from people’s wages or social welfare payments in instalments over time.

The Department of Justice today confirmed that the household charge would be treated in the same way as other fines.

A spokesperson for the department told TheJournal.ie in a statement: “The position regarding the non-payment of fines under the Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011, is the same as for the non-payment of any other fine.”

The statement adds that all other options, including attachment orders, would have to be exhausted before a person would be jailed for non-payment. Legislation introducing the attachment orders is expected to be published in the new year.

Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley said the legislation provided for fines of up to €2,500 in case of non-payment, in addition to legal costs. He told the Dáil:

The person who cannot afford the household charge will be brought to court and if found guilty will have to pay the court costs of the local council that brought them to court. There is also provision for fines of up to €2,500.

Yesterday, his party colleague Pearse Doherty told TheJournal.ie that he was among the TDs who would be boycotting the charge – but added he would “not encourage people” to follow his lead.

RTÉ reports that 15 TDs have now said they will not pay the charge.

More: Pearse Doherty won’t pay Household Charge – but says don’t follow his lead>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
159
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.