Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. While I appreciate that he anticipates local authorities will revise downwards the level of development levies, I would have hoped for some guidelines and initiative from the Minister in regard to local authorities. I fully understand it is a reserved function as set out in the legislation but the local authorities are bound by guidelines issued by the Minister in many areas. The Minister could take an initiative in highlighting the obstacle which high development levies pose, not only to any stimulus to the residential property market but also to businesses. I appreciate the Minister of State's response and I thank him for coming to the House.