Mr. Daniel McLoughlin:

I shall return to the question on property tax later.

Health and safety legislation has led to a significant cost burden. Unfortunately, four people have lost their lives so far this year in the local government sector. The matter is extremely important, so the cost of health and safety must be factored into everything that we do. We must also respect the law of the land and protect our employees on a daily basis.

I understand the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy O'Sullivan, has made an announcement about a budget provision for vacant houses.

As I said at the outset, we see the LEOs, along with the special strategic policy committee on economic development, as putting economic development, job creation and enterprise support right at the centre of local government.

With regard to a mayor for Dublin, the Senator is aware that the colloquium is under way. That consultation process will finish at the end of the year.

I ask the Meath county manager to comment on the question of property tax and the issue of there being no more money.