Government to use databases to implement €100 household charge

The Government is to use the databases of the ESB, the Revenue and the Private Residential Tenancies Board to ensure no one evades payment of the new €100 household charge.

A campaign of opposition to the charge will be launched today.

Those who do not pay it face a fine of up to €2,500.

Independent TD Thomas Pringle and Socialist Party/United Left Alliance TD Clare Daly have already said they will not pay the new tax which comes into effect in January.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan last night described their calls for a boycott as irresponsible.

Campaigners say that the charge is unfair, as every household is asked to pay the same amount, regardless of income.