Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Tax breaks for non-residents who are out of the country for more than 183 days in the year — a commitment was given that it would be reviewed.

Most ordinary taxpayers are disgusted that a certain golden brigade can get away without paying any tax when most compliant taxpayers do their bit. The Government argues that if we get rid of this amendment to the Finance Act, significant people, in the Taoiseach's own words, will fly from the country. So be it. If they head off, we will be grand without them. A large group of significant people remain here, God help and protect them, one of them being the CEO of a large airline who manages to get by living here 12 months of the year. If the others head off into the sun, let them do so. Why is the Government so intent on protecting these people? Will the Leader find out from the Government when the review of the scheme will be completed?

No. 13 on the Order Paper is statements on planning. Apartment building represents a major component of the total housing output but there are serious question marks over the standard of design and building in them. Many of them are no better than shoeboxes built on top of each other. I, along with other Senators, came across the case whereby a local authority in Dublin amended its development plan to ensure higher standards and better living conditions for apartment buyers. However, it has found that the Government has not put guidelines in place for the design and the standards of apartments. This means that any builder can now take an action to An Bord Pleanála against a planning permission because there are no guidelines in place on a national basis. Will the Leader provide time for a debate on this issue when we can examine the issue of the standard and quality of apartment blocks, not just in Dublin city, but in all our urban centres?

The Government has already produced guidelines on density, which will ratchet up the number of apartment blocks throughout Dublin city. I understand this is necessary for sustainability and transport. However, we must work hard at improving the standards of building and design of these new developments if we are serious about providing decent homes for people.