Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Would that apply in specific designated areas of the country? I happen to live in south County Dublin, in Dún Laoghaire. I would love a waiver on capital gains before I move on. Let us tease that out. People will not buy that so are we talking about areas of disadvantage? Leitrim has the highest levels of dereliction. Would it make a stronger argument to propose a concentrated package for specific rural areas that have a problem and are in difficulties? A waiver on capital gains will not secure political buy-in.

I am conscious that many county councillors are auctioneers, as it happens. A high percentage of auctioneers around the country are involved in local government. That is interesting in itself. The two professions complement each other. Without naming people, can the witnesses give examples they have come across which illustrate the fall-out from or the travesty where people have been stuck with properties that could be turned around but are falling into the ground because of capital gains?