Last week, I am sure many of us in the House were gratified when we saw the Minister for housing, James Browne, make a ruling that from now on the process that was going to be used for the collection of the derelict sites levy was being handed over to Revenue and taken away from the local authorities. This has come about as a result of the Minister's perception that the local authorities have been largely a failure in collecting derelict sites levies that have been outstanding on derelict properties. I commend the Minister and agree with him.

In our own case, down in Waterford City and County Council, we have a derelict sites register but, if I might illustrate by way of an example, a hotel in Tramore has been derelict for about the past 12 years. I know the derelict sites levy came into effect only a few years back but, as far as I can remember off the top of my head, it makes provision for levies of 7% to be collected. On the purported valuation of that hotel, it changed hands a couple of years back for €2 million, but even if it were €1 million, that is €70,000 per annum, notwithstanding interest on the outstanding amount, so we are talking about getting on for €250,000 in four years.

This is replicated all over the country, and when local authorities fail to collect these levies, it is really a lost opportunity for them to enhance their own revenue. It also gives a signal that dereliction is acceptable. As we all know from our own towns and cities, dereliction is a scourge on communities. The only way to hit the people causing the dereliction, the owners of these buildings, is to either deal with them through the planning process in a proactive way or else fine them. I compliment the Minister on taking the bull by the horns on this matter and I hope there will be lots more positive results in the time to come.