Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has not really addressed the question I asked. In the context of a situation where somebody can continue to sit on a vacant property, which will increase by, say, 10% to 12%, over a year, how will a tax of 0.3% make any difference? Could he be straight with us? What exactly is his rationale here? Has he based his belief on any evidence whatsoever?

The other point I would make in regard to this tax is that it is flawed. It does not apply the proposed tax to derelict properties. Little or no action is being taken by local authorities because of the way the derelict sites levy operates. A person can allow his or her property to become derelict and he or she will avoid the tax. There is a serious responsibility on the Minister and the Government to unlock the significant number of vacant homes that are available for use in the context of the serious housing crisis. I cannot understand why the Minister will not do the rational thing and unlock them by having a meaningful tax.

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