Bruton defends Hogan comments on Household Charge

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton has today defended a Cabinet colleague who said that that income tax hikes may have to be considered if people refuse to pay the Household Charge.

At the Magill Summer School yesterday, the Environment Minister Phil Hogan said the alternative to the charge was to put more taxes on work and working people.

Minister Bruton said that the commitment in the Programme for Government not to increase income tax is an "important factor".

"I think what Phil Hogan was expressing was that if people refuse to pay a tax that is supporting local services in their area, they will see a natural consequence," he said.

"You have to treat the people who pay their taxes and have a right to see the delivery of service - Government has to champion those people.