Sir, - The Government is introducing a law that says the State, or a local council, may purchase something at below market value if it is for the social good.
Will we be able to buy up State cars at whatever value we deem to be enough? There are plenty out there with a social need for a chauffeur driven car that is greater than that of any minister.
Will the general public be allowed to park in the Dail car park if their social need is shown to be greater than that of a TD? Will we see Charlie's island being bought for a song for a public park?
While I agree that there is profiteering going on with land sales, the State itself is the main culprit in the problems with housing. The VAT content of housing, the payment by builders of large amounts to the local council, the lack of services for land development - the list goes on.
Because the State is not performing its duty in providing social housing, there are an excessive number of people being subsidised to rent private housing, increasing the demand on a limited supply. The State does its best to ensure the supply does not grow and then takes it out on an easy and unpopular mark - the landlord.
Because the State has not ensured the development of services for residentially-zoned land, the supply of new houses is further limited. The State then takes it out on another easy and unpopular mark - the landowner.
When will the Government of this country do its own job? - Yours, etc.,
Garry Clarke, The Ward, Co Dublin.