Vacant Houses Should Be Taxed - Let's Start With 39 Cathedral View, Mullingar, owned by Robert Troy"

Vacant Houses Should Be Taxed - Let's Start With 39 Cathedral View, Mullingar, owned by Robert Troy" - Tóibín

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has called for a tax on vacant properties to force them back into the market and alleviate the housing crisis.

Speaking today Deputy Tóibín said: "Aontú have been calling for some time for a tax on vacant properties in order to encourage them back into the market. We have over 10,000 people homeless in this country and yet the recent census shows we have 166,000 vacant properties. This is a scandal. We need to tax vacant properties in such a way as to encourage them back into the market. We propose that the revenue generated by such a tax would be offered as grants to homeowners to repair their properties and get them into the rental market".

Deputy Tóibín continued: "Over the last few years FF and FG have argued against our proposal to tax on Vacant Houses. I questioned Minister for Finance Pascal Donoghue numerous times in the Dáil and in the Finance Committee and he has regularly pushed back on the issue. After many years, we are told that there are vague plans to introduce such a policy. But here lies the problems. Ministers and TDs such as Robert Troy have business interests. We learn that Minister Robert Troy owns a property - 39, Cathedral View, Mullingar, which has been vacant for months. In many cases these interests are the opposite of the needs of their constituents who are tenants. There is a clear conflict of interest in the real sense. Many of us have accused the government of this over the years. But here we have a clear concrete example in Minister Troy’s property portfolio. Housing vacancy without a good reason is wrong in a housing crisis. These revelations of late show the government are clearly conflicted in tackling key elements of the housing crisis".

"Serious questions remain about this property which he has been declaring as a rental, despite it being vacant for a number of months. The media have reported that 'he continues to be paid' 780 euro a month from Westmeath County Council, under the RAS scheme, for a 'two-bed townhouse in Mullingar'. Is this in reference to the Cathedral View property? If so how is Mr Troy getting paid for a vacant property? This is where the focus of this discussion needs to be!", concluded Deputy Tóibín

CRIOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.