Noonan: Property tax controversy down to 'people don't like paying tax'

The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, said he believes everyone knows now where they stand with the Local Property Tax, and the issue was that people don't like paying tax.

His comments after the appearance of the chairwoman of the Revenue Commissioners at the Finance Committee yesterday.

Josephine Feehily refused to change the practice where those paying by credit or debit card will have the payment deducted by the end of the month.

Michael Noonan defended the decision of the Revenue, and said there is now plenty of information out there for the options for people to pay the tax.

"I thought she performed very well before the committee, she was very open, gave full information in all her answers.

"But there's a fundamental issue that nobody likes paying tax, and especially paying tax in big lumps," he said.

The controversy surrounding the property tax emerged when Revenue sent letters outlining payment options which said those choosing certain methods would be charged their 2014 tax in 2013, despite already paying the tax (for 2013) this calendar year.