Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Senator's need for that clarity. I am giving a commitment to very thoroughly investigating a case for such a change. What I need and will have soon is far more accurate information regarding the scale of this as an issue and the reason it is happening.

Even in my analysis of data that is available from elsewhere, there are many reasons vacancy of a property occurs. The reasons for those vacancies can sometimes be very understandable, for instance, difficult developments within families regarding health and all the issues of which the Senator will be aware. While I understand the interest in such a change and can see the case for it, I want to be very clear regarding the scale of the issue we are addressing and whether local property tax can play a role in that regard.

I will come back to the committee on this matter soon. One of the reasons I am really asking for the support of the committee to go ahead with the revaluation is that it has many benefits, not least of which is laying the foundations for other things we might consider in the future.