Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I begin by expressing my concern and sharing the concerns expressed by other Members about all those who have been adversely affected by the current storm conditions. Hopefully, we will have no more fatalities later in the day.

I ask specifically about a programme for Government commitment to have local authorities monitor and benchmark the new vacant site levy legislated for by the previous Government. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, stated recently that he is not in favour of taxing vacant property. He is reported to be considering instead a tax break as a positive incentive, specifically a reduction in capital gains tax from 33% to 15%. Such a proposal narrows the tax base and makes the entire taxation system more fragile. It is the path to ruin and destruction that was followed by Fianna Fáil previously and it is not one we should follow now. Will there be an increase in the vacant site levy or is the levy to be abandoned in favour of a tax break for property owners?

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