FG backbencher rows back on property tax comment

A Government backbencher is rowing back on suggestions he made earlier that council tenants could be asked to pay property tax.

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, had indicated that there would be a "minumim payment for all" when a value-based tax is introduced next year.

However, he has now said these comments were merely his "own opinion".

Earlier, Mr Doyle had told Declan Meehan’s Morning Show on East Coast FM that it will be extended to people renting from local authorities, despite the fact that they do not own their own homes.

Mr Doyle had said: "It's not rocket science to value anything but I don't think it'll be strictly on the value of the house. As I undestand it, there will be a minimum payment for all."