‘Use whatever means necessary’ says Hogan as he backs council in student grant row, Has the Govt declared war on the people over the Household Tax?
Irish Independent -
A DEFIANT Environment Minister Phil Hogan has encouraged county councils to use “whatever means necessary” to collect the €100 household charge.
Mr Hogan also told the Dail this afternoon more councils should show “the same level of activity” as Clare County Council, which is refusing to approve third-level grants for students unless their parents paid the €100 charge.
Mr Hogan asked about the controversy during the first exchanges in the new Dail term this afternoon.
“Clare County Council and the management there are doing no more or no less than any other county manager or city manager,” Mr Hogan said. “They’re asking people and they’re putting in place plans to get in the remaining monies that are owed to them. That’s what any businesses would do.”
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn earlier defended the council, saying it was a “reasonable” question for the council to ask whether the charge had been paid.
However, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin questioned whether it was legal.
“I think they are out of order, to be frank,” he said. “I would question the legal basis of what Clare County Council is doing.”.
Read More: independent.ie
2012-09-20 02:29:01
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