From the Irish Times:
NO DECISIONS have been made about the possible introduction of a property tax, Taoiseach Brian Cowen has told the Dáil.
He said such a move would require “major structural changes in the taxation system”.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach to confirm media reports yesterday that a property tax might be introduced in the December budget with charges ranging from €250 to €3,000 depending on the size and location of homes.
He described the proposal as “grossly unfair”, and said Fine Gael would oppose it.
He also asked Mr Cowen for a “yes” or “no” answer.
The Taoiseach declined such a reply, and said: “That is a budgetary matter that will be decided at the time of the budget.”
He added that a “site-value tax is mentioned in the Programme for Government and the Commission on Taxation has suggested a need to widen the tax base. However no decisions have been taken on these matters.”
He said he could not comment on “speculation”.
