asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any proposals to speed up the acquisition of derelict sites.

The acquisition provisions of the Derelict Sites Act, 1961, are intended as a last resort when all other efforts, by the local authority, to have the site rendered non-derelict have failed. The operation of the Act is at present being reviewed with a view to assessing whether any amendment of its provisions is required.

Is it a fact that the market value must be paid for a derelict site? Does the Minister agree that this is a major problem and is the reason why people who own derelict sites thumb their noses at the local authorities?

Local authorities have powers under the Act.

If the market value has to be paid there is no need for statutory powers. I am asking the Minister to change the law in relation to market value. Then we might have some constraint on the people who own derelict sites.

The operation of the Act is now being reviewed.

When is it hoped to have this review?

I am not able to give an exact date.

It will not be in due course?

I cannot say when but it is being reviewed at present.

As this matter is being reviewed, would the Minister consider putting a rate charge on derelict buildings because they are a national disgrace?

That is a separate question.

I am not considering anything in that line at present.