GeoDirectory data recorded by The Irish Times identified 14,500 derelict buildings in Dublin city. As the Taoiseach knows, in the programme for Government we have committed to implementing the recommendations of the Dublin city task force. The only way in which that task force can work is if it is fully funded. I acknowledge from replies given by the Tánaiste last Thursday that the interdepartmental group met on four occasions, including as recently as last Tuesday. There is, however, a big change that could be made immediately, which is that Departments that occupy buildings in Dublin city and across Ireland would pay commercial rents. That would generate approximately €30 million for Dublin City Council. That would go a big way towards meeting one of the major recommendations of the task force, which is to increase the funds available to the council to deal with dereliction and vacancy. I know the Department is likely to oppose a change like this but this is why it is in the Taoiseach's Department. I hope he might be able to support us on this change.

The Dublin city task force is very important, as is its report. Dublin City Council has a fundamental obligation here as well. Local authorities in general are primarily responsible for their city centres. I say that in good faith. This idea that has emanated from the report that we would simply charge every public body rates is simply another way of getting a grant from the Government. This has been a standard situation for decades all over the country and including other cities too. I am not, therefore, that well disposed to that proposal. I much prefer if there are specific issues on which the State can intervene, through housing, for example. I was at the Rotunda outpatients department that was opened recently on O'Connell Street. It is offering a substantial, brilliant service for women and mothers-to-be and so on, while at the same time creating real and substantial economic activity and footfall in the heart of Dublin city.

I thank the Taoiseach. We move now to Deputy Kerrane.

The State needs to be involved that way. That is what I would favour, in a difference with the Deputy.