James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I call for a debate on the stealth taxes being imposed on local authorities throughout the country, namely development levies. A number of confidential letters went to county managers in May, July and October this year, over the heads of elected representatives. The development levies are both unjust and unfair and will have a negative effect on our competitiveness. Young people trying to start up business enterprises will be affected, as will young people building their first home as a charge of €12,000 will be imposed on new homes.