I want to raise with the Tánaiste the issue of section 5. It probably had its uses, but when abused, as it is being at the moment, it is a very serious tool.

Anybody can make a section 5 application, even if he or she does not own the building, to check if it is exempt from planning for an IPAS centre. The owner of the building in a lot of cases does not even know that somebody has made a section 5 application, as happened in Trim last week. This is creating a lot of unnecessary problems for communities right across the country and needs to be urgently addressed. A 'For Sale' sign on a building is enough for some of these unscrupulous people to make a section 5 application, where they know they can make a lot of money overnight. They are looking for these section 5 applications on buildings that would never be exempt from planning like industrial units with no windows. According to the programme for Government, the only hotel in a town will not be taken for an IPAS centre. Will the Tánaiste give a commitment today that this will not happen? It is hurting tourism and businesses in small towns right across the country.

I thank Deputy Guirke. I will ask the Minister for housing and the Minister of State with responsibility for planning to give consideration to the point he makes about the role of section 5 and the appropriate use of it in the context of what he has outlined. I would like to make two points on IPAS and migration accommodation. First, there has been too much discussion only on accommodation. We also have to discuss a rules-based system and making sure that if people have a right to be here, they are integrated, get on with their lives, get a job and make a good contribution to our country. If they do not have a right to be here, we must ensure they are asked to leave and to do so much more quickly. If they do not leave, we must ensure that they do leave. Second, we want to see hotels used for what they are meant to be used for, which is tourism. In the emergency situation, of course, that was not always possible but we have a very clear commitment to try to stay away from the use of the only hotel in a town. There can be cases where a hotel has been shut for many years but I am talking about active hotels. Certainly, that is the policy objective of the Government.