Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I have a fundamental difficulty with trading companies - even if the properties they own are empty - not being required to pay this charge. Either it is a property tax or it is not. If such companies own properties, why are they not required to pay the charge? I accept that there are exemptions in respect of certain unfinished estates. It would certainly be galling to live in such an estate. The estate in which I live comprises 20 houses and is unfinished. However, it does not appear to be unfinished. I do not understand why the owners of empty properties should not be obliged to pay the property charge. Why should householders who are obliged to pay bills left, right and centre also be obliged to pay this charge when trading companies which own residential companies are not subject to it? I accept that such companies might not be obtaining an income from their properties. This is a form of break for those who own trading companies and we should not be giving it to them if it is not also to be made available to those in other categories. What is being done here is wrong.

I ask the Minister of State to reconsider the position. I accept that some of these companies will not be able to pay. If they cannot do so, there is provision in the legislation for them to be pursued. We should at least impose a charge on properties such as those to which I refer in order that if one is every sold, the State would benefit. I do not understand the rationale in respect of what is proposed in this section. I urge the Department to re-examine what is involved. If the NPPR does not apply to those to whom I refer, then it should also be reconsidered. I am not sure what is the position in this regard.