Charges on second homes

Madam, – Section 41 of the Constitution obliges the State to defend the institution of marriage.

Madam, – Section 41 of the Constitution obliges the State to defend the institution of marriage.

This has traditionally meant that a married couple cannot be disadvantaged over a cohabitating couple.

The Local Government (Charges) Bill just gone through the Seanad imposes a charge on second homes.

A couple who cohabitate and live between two homes are not liable for the tax as each can nominate a home as their principal primary residence.

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The State will not usually enquire into the length of time each partner spends in each residence.

If they marry, however, they become liable for the tax.

Section 4(3) of the act allows for a couple who divorce or are separated to avoid the tax.

Surely this Bill is unconstitutional since it disadvantages a married couple over a cohabiting couple. – Yours, etc,

TONY BURKE,

Sycamore Ave,

Kingswood,

Dublin 24.