Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community & local government Brian Stanley TD has announced that he intends to introduce a bill that will reverse the Household Charge.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the bill, Deputy Stanley said: "The bill, entitled Local Government (Household Charge) (Repeal) Bill 2012, aims to repeal the household charge and allow the Department to reimburse those households that have already paid it.

"Sinn Féin will be tabling the bill during private members' time in June. Meanwhile we intend to run a positive, proactive 'Back the Bill' campaign. This campaign will be inclusive and community-based. We will be using the next few months to lobby and encourage TDs from all parties, including government parties, to vote for our bill in June.

"To date the household charge has been a disastrous episode for the government and in particular for the Minister of Environment, Phil Hogan.

"The vote in June will give the minister the opportunity to undo some of the damage his charge has inflicted on the coalition. Sinn Féin believes in strong democratic local government.

"For local authorities to function they require funding to provide services to the public. Hogan's household charge will only drive a wedge between the local authorities and the communities they aim to serve. The Local Government Fund should be returned to 2011 levels.

"I hope other parties, trade unions and community groups will support the bill and make the household charges history once and for all."

Source : http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/22872#.T3L38wz9jwM.twitter  28/03/2012

Brian Stanley TD,

40 Clonrooske Abbey,

Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Phone: 05786 62851

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Brian is a member of the Dail, and is a former member of Laois County Council & Portlaoise Town Council. He is also involved with Laois VEC, the Boards of Portlaoise Pool & Leisure Centre, Portlaoise College and Chairperson of the Board of An Treo Nua (Centre for Education, Training and Development). He is currently a member of Sinn Féin's Ard Comhairle (National Executive). He is the Sinn Féin spokesperson in the Dáil on the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Brian Stanley was elected to the Dáil in the General Election held on 25th February 2011 – the first Sinn Féin TD in Laois/Offaly since 1923.