I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The costs arising, including those in relation to advertising, are a matter for the LGMA and the county and city councils. The LGMA established an ad hoc project board to advise it on the necessary arrangements to be put in place to manage and collect the charge on behalf of the county and city councils. The LGMA, local authorities and my Department are represented on the project board and no additional remuneration is paid to the officials participating on the board.
Significant efforts will be made to ensure that property owners are aware of the household charge and the liability and payment dates. The LGMA and local authorities will shortly commence a national information campaign to advise people of the household charge and their responsibilities in relation to payment of the charge. A similar and successful advertising and information campaign was undertaken in the context of the €200 charge on non-principal private residences on its introduction in 2009 with further advertising taking place each year since. I am confident that those liable to the charge will be aware of their obligation to discharge their liability for the charge by 31 March 2012 and thereby avoid any late payment fees or late payment interest.
