Ms Maria Graham:

There are a couple of aspects to be considered on vacancy data. We gave a paper previously to the committee around the range of elements. I will ask Mr. Logan to come in on this in a moment.

We are looking at the vacancy data that are available. Some of them are dynamic, and often they are incomplete. Some additional data will be gathered through the census this year. We are looking at some of the geospatial data that are available. We did some pilot studies ourselves as part of the housing strategy in Rebuilding Ireland. We are also working with Department of Finance on the data it is collecting from the local property tax, which should be available shortly.

Part of the issue about vacancy is there is a need for a national perspective and a real on-the-ground perspective. This is part and parcel of the role that we would see the full-time vacant homes officers doing. Perhaps Mr. Logan will add to that.