Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

The number of unoccupied dwellings will be a significant feature of the next census. We will need to know precisely the number of unoccupied dwellings in the State. Having had a quick look at the form, I note it states that it will be a census of people and households. Will a count be taken of every dwelling that is unoccupied? Anyone canvassing in the last election knows that the one great feature of our communities is the high number of unoccupied dwellings, even in well-established housing estates. This will need to be factored into deciding economic and social policy.

See this speech in context