Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not even reply to that.

I understand where Deputy Deasy is coming from. As a public representative, I speak to people daily who fear the closure of their businesses. It is something of which we must take cognisance when town councils are abolished and the time comes to set rates. The Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill is on Committee Stage in the Seanad. I hope the Minister will consider some of the issues Deputy Deasy highlighted today. We are going through a very difficult time economically and must take into consideration the business people who are holding on by their fingertips. I understand this is something within our control that we can change as a Government. Local authorities also have a responsibility for rates and they must take matters into consideration while keeping their finances afloat. The Government must consider the matter nationally and examine the best way forward for ratepayers. We must take their views and the views of their representative bodies, including chambers of commerce, into account.

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