Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 4, subsection (1), between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following:

"(a) a dwelling let as a temporary self-catering holiday dwelling,".

This matter came to the attention of many Members. A series of tidying up measures have been already taken because of the speed at which the legislation is being passed. In the Seanad it had to be tidied up in respect of mobile homes of granny flats, following Deputy Hogan's highlighting of the issue last week.

There is a problem concerning self-catering dwellings across the country that are registered with Fáilte Ireland. These are not holiday homes which their owners leave unoccupied. They are let on a lease arrangement for short periods of time. Crucially they are holiday homes that provide a vital stimulus to local economies. According to one representation I received, bookings are 60% down on this time last year. That is in Kerry, one of the premium holiday regions in the country. I hope the Minister will take on board what we propose and allow some scope under the measures in the Bill - we are still undecided on whether this is a charge or a tax. The levy of €200 on each of these buildings has a significant impact on tourism service operators. I urge the Minister to support the amendment.

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