Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

My question is for the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. There are strong reasons for reactivating our large vacant housing stock. There is, of course, housing need, as well as environmental reasons and revitalising towns and villages. My colleague Deputy Matthews, Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, today launched a report that recommends a vacant homes tax. Media reports in recent days suggest such a tax is on the cards for the next budget. I ask the Minister to outline to the House his views on the benefits of a vacant homes tax and if he would support it.

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