Howlin: Local Government can't be funded with 'magic money'

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin has said that the Household Charge is part of the survival strategy for this country.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin has said today that the Household Charge is part of the survival strategy for this country.

Brendan Howlin has pleaded with those who have not paid the €100 charge to do so by Saturday in solidarity with the people who have paid.

He has also told the Dáil that a more refined Household Charge will be put in place for next year.

Minister Howlin rejected opposition claims it was the "stubborn political pride" of the Environment Minister that was stopping the Coalition from extending the deadline.

"I know that there are Deputies opposite who will support no tax, support no charge, support no cut," he said.

"It's the Darby O'Gill economics that people won't be fooled by.

"They want this economy to recover and they know the path to recovery is a hard path, and they won't be fooled by people pretending that you can fund local government, or anybody else, with magic money."