Confusion over home levy start date

A MAJOR Government policy was plunged into confusion for the third time in a week as the Taoiseach refused to confirm that controversial new household charges would be brought in next January.

Despite Environment Minister Phil Hogan stating the levy would be imposed from the start of 2011, Enda Kenny left the start date in limbo.

The Taoiseach’s failure to back up Mr Hogan’s timetable for the flat rate charge on homes follows the Government scrambling to slap down predictions from Transport Minister Leo Varadkar that the country could need a second bailout, and outspoken criticism from Labour TDs over a Fine Gael attempt to change some wage agreements.