Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy about the need for us to do all we can to respond to the great challenges we have in providing good homes for our citizens. I too have a lot of experience of this matter in my constituency. This area has been the subject of a lot of reports. The amount of land that is classified as being vacant in public debates on the matter is overstated. This is being debated in other reports we have done.

I propose that we have a look at the whole matter of the interplay between taxation and the valuation of land, and the impact that has on housing. In particular, we will soon set up an independent commission on taxation and welfare, which is a programme for Government commitment. I propose that one of the terms of reference under that commission would examine the potential for taxation measures in supporting the best use of development land and at dealing with issues relating to vacant properties and unused land.

It is a while now since this matter has been looked at through reports I have been involved with, and I believe that the commission on taxation could play a valuable role in that work. That is a way we propose to evaluate the matter, as raised by the Deputy.