The Environment Minister Phil Hogan has confirmed that the revenue commission will be responsible for collecting the new property tax when it comes into force.
Speaking at the Magill summer school this evening, Mr Hogan was confronted by more than 100 protestors who are refusing to pay the household charge, which is the precursor to the property tax.
Minister Hogan said the plan all along was for revenue to take over the tax. He denied he was passing on the charge for political expediency.
"It was always intended that once the database was established, the professional collectors of taxation, namely the revenue commissioners, would be involved," he said.