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.

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"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."

(CD/GK)