Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Time will be used to ensure that when I make a decision on the introduction of this tax, it will be a tax that is effective and plays the role I want it to play which is the conversion of vacant properties into homes that families and those who need housing will use. Bringing in such a measure on the use of property is something I need to get right. It needs to be effective and must be based on evidence. The time we are talking about is only that which is needed to collect information on the number of properties, how long they have been vacant and why they are vacant. That is information which is needed in order to get the design of this tax correct. Throughout the period referred to by Deputy Doherty, I accept the housing needs of too many people have not been met in the way they want or I want. It is also the period in which the number of homes built in our country has increased year-on-year. I want it to increase further and will play my role in making that happen.

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