Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a scandal to God above in heaven that there are people who want and could build a house for themselves in County Kerry cannot because of this planning clause about urban development pressure. This means that young people who want to build next door to their parents on their own land are not allowed to do it. I want the Minister to look at that. It is a sad state of affairs that in many of our towns and villages, we do not have a treatment plant so that people can build and tap into the sewers. In many towns and villages, we do not have enough water. If we are to help people and say we will do something about affordable homes, I ask the Minister to please do as the UK is doing, where people can claim back the VAT. A third of the cost of every house that is built is VAT, levies and other taxes. That is the honest truth about it, if we are meaning to do something. There are vacant homes in Kerry, Cork and everywhere. Right around me are vacant houses. People will not rent when they have to pay back 50% of what they get from the rent. When they want their house back, they know they cannot get it back. I ask the Minister to do something about it because then we may be in a better position.

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