Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

As others stated, this Bill is to be welcomed for addressing areas which were neglected for far too long. Any of us involved in local government who have party colleagues who are local councillors know there has been considerable resentment over the fact that holiday homes were not making a contribution to the cost of providing water, roads, sewerage facilities and other amenities in their respective areas. This was particularly the case in counties such as mine where there is a considerable number of such buildings which place a very high demand on those services. That is not to say that people object to people having holiday homes as individuals or to let commercially. However, it is only fair that they make a contribution and I welcome the provisions of the Bill.

I have submitted an amendment to section 3(3)(a) which deletes the reference to the €200 rate set by the Minister and transfers that right to local authorities which is best placed to decide. For this reason, I will oppose the Fine Gael amendment which proposes to give the power of collection to the Revenue Commissioners rather than to local authorities. This would add to the bureaucracy involved and local authorities would be more efficient at collecting such a charge and would immediately have the money at their disposal to fund local services. That cannot be stressed enough, particularly in the present circumstances when local authorities are striving for funds to meet the demands placed upon them and provide such services for holiday homes. It is also to be welcomed that the Minister amended the original draft to provide that the revenue collected from holiday homes will be retained by local authorities and in that way go towards the provision of essential services, particularly as there are so many financial constraints at present.

I also welcome the fact that caravans will be exempt from the charge. The proposals with regard to caravans and mobile homes have been brought to the attention of all Members in recent weeks. Most people who own caravans are in the low income bracket of society and it is not right to put further constraints upon them.

The issue of commercially-let holiday homes has been raised and no doubt many Deputies received representation from the owners of such properties to ask to be exempted. There is a point to be made on the importance of holiday homes to the local economy and the fact they bring much-needed spending, particularly during the summer months; we can testify to that in rural Kerry, Cork and Clare. They bring significant benefit to the local economy and are much appreciated. Long may that continue. However, there is little ground for exempting them from the charge, given that residents of the counties concerned must pay local for local services and the fact the premises in question draw heavily on those services. Therefore, while I recognise the case being made, fairness requires that the charge should stand.

I also support the amendment to exclude from liability what are referred to as "granny flats", premises built adjoining existing family homes in order to accommodate a parent or close family relation. These are a common feature around the country and play a vital role in care for the elderly by families. In light of the fact this represents considerable savings for the State, which might otherwise have direct responsibility for looking after such people, it is only fair such premises should be excluded from the charge, as proposed by the amendment in the name of Deputy Hogan. It is a good amendment and should be supported. I hope it is taken on board. The same applies to the amendment to exempt people who are currently in residential care and not living in their home, but who would be liable for the charge as the legislation stands. I support the proposal to exclude them from the charge.

Much of the Bill is welcome. I applaud the fact that those who drew it up and those who have brought it to the House have listened carefully to the proposals for amendments and to those who voiced their opinions in the media or through their representatives.

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