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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1982

Vol. 337 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Derelict Sites Tax.

2.

asked the Minister for Finance the projected gain in revenue to the Exchequer from the proposed increase of 1 per cent in the tax on derelict sites as provided in the arrangement announced in the Dáil on 9 March 1982 between Deputies Haughey and Gregory-Independent.

Clare): During the course of my Financial Statement of 25 March last I announced that the Government intended to introduce taxation on derelict sites. I further indicated in my speech on the Second Stage of the 1982 Finance Bill that the main purpose of the tax is to improve the environment, particularly in the inner city areas, by making it less profitable to hoard unsightly areas in anticipation of development. The principal public agents of urban renewal are, of course, the local authorities who should receive the revenues accruing from this tax.

The Minister for the Environment, who has responsibility for urban renewal, is at present examining the possibility of developing these taxes on the lines of local authority taxes. No estimate of the yield can be given at this stage.

In view of the fact that we have waited approximately two months for questions to the Minister for Finance, would it not have been better if the Minister had made arrangements to be here to answer them?

That is not a matter for the Chair.

May we take it that no tax has been raised so far out of this corrupt deal which was allegedly made in the national interest?

(Clare): Not as yet.

When can we expect it?

I call Deputy Manning to ask a supplementary on his question.

Do I understand the Minister to say that he cannot give an answer and that it is not possible to give an estimate of the yield to the Exchequer?

(Clare): It is not possible at present because the Minister for the Environment is involved in discussions with the local authorities.

Deputy Tony Gregory.

(Clare): An announcement will be made as soon as it is decided who is to utilise this tax. It is possible it could go to the local authority.

Could the Minister give an indication as to when the talks will be completed and the information will be available?

(Clare): The Deputy will have the information as soon as it becomes available but I cannot give a time.

Would the Minister agree that the problems of derelict sites and planning blight within Dublin city are also caused by the local authority themselves by virtue of their indicating intentions to serve compulsory purchase orders but often not fulfilling those intentions? Is the Minister considering this matter and how would he deal with planning blight or derelict sites caused directly by actions of local authorities?

(Clare): I am sure this is a consideration in the discussions between the Minister and the corporation.

On a point of order, in view of the fact that it is the first occasion on which Question to the Minister for Finance have been taken, could the Taoiseach tell us why the Minister cannot be here today and on what official business he is detained?

If the Deputy had any generosity he would not ask that question.

I have been here all morning.

Deputy FitzGerald knows better than anyone that the attendance of Ministers at Question Time is a matter for themselves to decide in accordance with their public arrangements and the discharge of public business. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance is in a position to deal with Questions today.

What public business detains the Minister?

On the subject of our little discussion about generosity in public debate, Deputy L'Estrange has just used the word "corrupt". I presume you stand over that?

I believe the Gregory deal was a corrupt deal and the whole nation knows that.

There was no mention of a Minister's being corrupt.

It never happened before in our history.

Deputy L'Estrange, you did not say any person was corrupt.

I listened attentively and I know that is the case.

The Deputy said that the Taoiseach entered into a corrupt deal. That remark should be withdrawn.

I am satisfied as to what the Deputy said and he did not say that any person was corrupt.

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