Irish Examiner view: We need to consider a tax on second homes

If Ireland is serious about affordable housing then this must be accompanied by a thorough review of property usage

According to the last census, there were 62,000 second homes in Ireland.

If housing is the hot domestic issue which, alongside the cost of living, it is, then should we be giving deeper thought to the issue of second homes and the benefits which accrue to those who enjoy the luxury of possessing two or more properties?

There is a home, and then there is a holiday home. It can be shared with family members; it can be loaned to friends; it can be rented out for a profit. Or it can be left empty for much of the year.