Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Why would the Revenue Commissioners seek data from the local authority? I can understand why, under this Bill, the local authority would need data from the Revenue Commissioners, but not why the Revenue Commissioners would require data from local authorities. Getting information from the Revenue Commissioners is the same as sharing data with the ESB. However, there is a specific provision in the Bill under which the Revenue Commissioners can request from the local authority the number of people who have second or third homes. I presume the county manager will provide that information. I also presume there will be no charge for this information. The sharing of information can cost money, whether the Revenue Commissioners would charge the local authority or vice versa. I can understand why the Revenue Commissioners might need the information but I do not know why the obligation would be on the local authority to provide it under this Bill.