Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can assure Deputy Doherty that the Minister will keep a close eye on it and specifically on that element about which the Deputy has expressed concerns throughout this debate. I will make the broader point, in response to Deputy Michael McGrath as well, on the question as to what is a living city. There is no point in pretending other than the concept has evolved as there has been an interaction with local authorities and examination of some of the buildings involved. However, a living city is not simply about sleeping in the city and requires an element of small-scale commercial development. While the Deputy is correct in respect of the European element, the capping of the tax relief at €200,000 helps to ensure it will be kept to small-scale commercial developments. The issue will be kept under active review and once the scheme is up and running, Members can always return to the issue. I will pass on the Deputy's views to the Minister for Finance that it would be useful to have an exchange of some sort on how the scheme is progressing throughout the year. I presume this will be possible by way of parliamentary question and so on but I will discuss that with my colleague.

See this speech in context