Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2004
53 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the report commissioned by him from consultants regarding the hoarding of building land in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12186/04]
View answer64 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has completed his consideration of the results of the research he has commissioned from Goodbody economic consultants into the ownership or control of building land in certain development areas, particularly Dublin, to determine whether current practices are retarding the overall delivery of building land or impeding long-term market stability; when the results of the research will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12226/04]
View answer71 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has considered the report of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution on property rights; his views on the findings of the committee that legislation can be introduced to cap the price of building land without the requirement for a constitutional amendment; if he intends to introduce legislation to give effect to this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12187/04]
View answer
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 64 and 71 together.
My Department continues to examine possible measures aimed at moderating land costs for housing and other essential public infrastructure. The report on ownership and control of building land, which was commissioned by my Department from Goodbody economic consultants, forms part of that process. It remains under consideration and will be published when that examination is complete. I welcome the ninth progress report of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution on the subject of property rights. My Department will give detailed consideration to all its recommendations as part of that examination in consultation with other Departments as appropriate. I have noted the committee's view that capping the price of building land does not require a constitutional amendment and the Attorney General will be consulted on this and other related matters.
The National Economic and Social Council is currently undertaking a major study on housing and land policy which, I understand, will be finalised shortly. All three reports and any other relevant analysis and research will be considered in finalising a policy response to these issues.
