Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I have stated already that I will be bringing forward legislation on this matter and the county managers and the Houses of the Oireachtas will be informed. On the Senator's argument that the moneys accruing from holiday homes should be held by the local authority, the information and advice available is that smaller counties would lose out drastically because this charge includes all second homes and rented properties. Small counties such as Leitrim, my own county of Roscommon, or Longford would have a very small return on either rented or holiday homes whereas some of the larger counties would have a significant return as well as having a higher rate base. I want to ensure equality and something like the previous equalisation clause. I want to ensure smaller counties with a low return are not penalised or left short of funds.