I completely agree with Senator Ward's point about discretion. It would result in much less of a binary discussion every year if local authorities had the flexibility to be able to determine the level of reduction to a decent degree. Rather than having the blunt 15%, a more nuanced tool would have been welcome. On the higher level, I am not picking out these; these were the examples that were picked out. I have a concern over people's perception of progression and progressivity in tax as well as the fact of progres…

I move amendment No. 4: In page 18, to delete lines 24 to 27. This amendment concerns the discussion we had in the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach concerning a tax on vacant properties. The Minister told us then that was the information gathering stage and perhaps the introduction of such a measure would come later. In the text of this Bill, though, I am concerned about the constraints placed on that information gathering process. It is framed in a way which will make it ver…

In regard to the fact of there being variations in amendments Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, that is the nature of the situation when we have legislation going through all Stages. The presenting of options has to happen side-by-side on Committee Stage rather than Members being allowed to have a discussion and a different version on Report Stage. However, amendment No. 6 is completely legitimate and, while it is obviously not going to pass today, I urge the Minister to discuss it with the Data Protection Commissioner. I be…

The term "residential property" is the language of the Bill so that is why that is the language of the amendment. I will withdraw amendment No. 4 as a valid point has been made in respect of it.

I move amendment No. 5: In page 18, line 27, after "dwelling" to insert "and such use by the Revenue Commissioners as may be required in respect of a levy or tax".

I move amendment No. 6: In page 18, line 27, after "dwelling" to insert the following: "and such use by the Revenue Commissioners as may be required in respect of a levy or tax on vacant residential properties or a certain category of vacant residential properties".

I move amendment No. 7: In page 21, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: "Report 41. The Minister shall, by 1 December 2022, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas setting out policy options and recommendations in respect of the potential introduction, under the Principal Act or the Act of 1997, of a new levy or tax, or an increase in levy or tax in respect of residential properties which are vacant for a period longer than 12 months.". I will be very brief because I am keen to finish the se…

I move amendment No. 8: In page 21, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: "Report 41. The Minister shall, by 1 December 2022, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas in respect of the data obtained under the provisions of this Act with regard to the ownership of residential properties.". Amendment No. 8 could apply to all the statistical information that the Minister is compiling. The amendment refers to the statistical information that we have discussed on vacant properties but there will be …

I said hundreds or thousands not hundreds of thousands.

There are large-scale owners in Ireland and the information we have at present peters out at that level. We need more information. It is not that they are building everything. Let us be clear. We have heard reports of investment funds sending people around to bid on second-hand properties all over the city. We have heard the stories of people who are going to buy apartments because there is a constant market. They are there as actors and they are outbidding people who want to buy family homes. This is the reality. …

I move amendment No. 9: In page 21, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: "Report 41. The Minister shall, by 1 December 2022, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas outlining any potential steps for the introduction, under the Act of 1997 or the Principal Act, of a levy or tax on residential properties which are vacant for a period longer than 12 months.".

I move amendment No. 10: In page 21, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: "Report 41. The Minister shall, by 1 December 2022, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas which shall— (a) compile appropriate statistical information and identify trends in relation to the patterns and quantities of residential property ownership in respect of this Act and the Principal Act, (b) set out policy options or recommendations regarding the potential introduction of differential rates of local property tax …

I move amendment No. 11: In page 21, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: "Report 41. The Minister shall, by 1 December 2022, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas which shall set out policy options or recommendations regarding the potential introduction of differential rates of local property tax on residential properties under this Act and the Principal Act where such properties are owned by persons who; (a) own two or less residential properties; (b) own more then two but less than twent…

Vótáil.

I thought the speaking order was by indication.

I ended our previous debate on this Bill by saying Ireland is starting late and we should be starting stronger and I begin by saying that again. We are not world leaders on climate action yet; we are laggards still. The test is still to come. We should be starting stronger. Members are right that the work is still ahead of us. I think we could have made that work easier with a stronger Bill. We could have been stronger on the definitions of "climate justice" and "just transition". The test now will be for the Gover…

That is incorrect.

I move amendment No. 1: In page 47, line 37, to delete "prepared."." and substitute the following: "prepared. (4) The Minister shall, in conducting this review, include a consideration of matters relating to financial abuse, including any measures which may be required in relation to the prevention of or safeguarding against such abuse.".". As the Minister of State will be aware, I am supportive of the thrust and direction of what she is trying to do with this legislation. I will address my other amendments later, …

We will engage on adult safeguarding in the autumn, an issue that needs to be progressed. As well as the review and the body of evidence, we will need legislation on that. Financial abuse is highlighted in the amendment because it is setting in place a different financial mechanism for successors and capping. Safeguarding with nursing homes, as was mentioned, is a key issue, as is capacity. I am glad the Minister of State is engaged and has a personal passion for those areas. The issue of financial abuse is a littl…

I move amendment No. 2: In page 59, between lines 34 and 35, to insert the following: “Report 33. The Minister shall, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas making further recommendations in relation to the financial assessment of persons applying for financial support in respect of long-term residential care services or such matters as may be considered in terms of that financial assessment including potential provisions in respect of education and training."…