Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before I go back onto dereliction, the Government brought in a vacant property tax last year of 0.3%, which I believe was a shocking and disgraceful decision. When one considers that the derelict sites levy is 7% I do not know how the 0.3% rate can be justified. If one looks at other European countries such as France, they start off with 10% of the annual yearly income and this rises to 15%. From the Department's point of view, is that vacant property tax as it is now going to make any difference to a return of vacant properties when it is set at 0.3%?