Vol. 571 No. 1
1263 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the proposal to rate all land and impose a site value tax pro rata to zoning as a possible strategy to reduce house prices for young couples. [19901/03]
The Government has indicated its intention to address the issue of the cost of land required for development, including the impact on the affordability of housing. In this context, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution has been asked by the Taoiseach to assess the possibility of placing a cap on the value of development land. In doing so, the committee will have to consider the constitutional and practical issues involved. I am aware that the Oireachtas committee has received proposals for the introduction of a variable rating system for land. The Government will give due consideration to any recommendations made by the committee in relation to this matter.
