Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Fáilte romhat a Aire arís go dtí an Seanad. As the Minister of State stated in his contribution, properties used for accommodation purposes by groups such as the Irish Girl Guides or Scouts Ireland will be exempted from the local property tax. I welcome that. The Bill also provides for exemption for residential properties used by a charitable body for recreational activities connected with its charitable purpose where this is not done on a commercial basis.

I applaud the Government for exempting voluntary organisations. I thank the Minister for the decision not to tax voluntary organisations such as the Dundalk sea and river rescue service, which the Minister has visited. We have many sea and river rescue organisations and committees along our coasts whose members work voluntarily. They give of their time, take leave of absence without pay, work at weekends and give up holidays. This Bill recognises that, and it is recognition of the contribution made by many voluntary organisations throughout the length and breadth of this country. I often wonder about the type of country we would have if we did not have committed voluntary organisations in every townland, town and village, and not only along our coasts.

I commend the Bill. We have to pay our way. We are one of the few countries in the world not paying property tax. I thank the Minister of State for his contribution.