Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With regard to a site that is situated in an area where there is a need for housing, that is true for many areas. I believe it is unnecessary. We have seen what the local authorities determine to be a vacant site. That definition has been in place for a long time, rather than simply referring to a site in an area that is in need of housing. There are many such sites in areas that are in need of housing, including in my constituency. That does not mean all of them should have a levy imposed on them or that they could be defined as a vacant site which the local authority must utilise or they end up with a levy as a result. It is unnecessary to state this. The definition of a vacant site as defined by the local authorities is far clearer.

With regard to putting forward a figure, 0.05 of a hectare would amount to approximately three normal sized houses. Deputy Wallace can correct me on this but I estimate it is three normal sized houses in terms of definition. That is a far more sensible way of going about it.

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