John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegation. How big a factor do commercial rates play in sustaining jobs in the sector? Several years ago there were 72 licensed premises in the small west of Ireland town in which I live but there are only eight today. I see pubs closing on a regular basis. Is this a big issue for publicans and has a submission been made to the Minister? A national review of commercial rates is required across every sector of the commercial retail world.

We do not yet know how the proposed property tax will be implemented but I am worried that small publicans will be required to pay commercial rates as well as property taxes on their overhead accommodation. Sometimes people neglect to pay attention to the scenarios that may arise. I saw a situation arise in respect of the second home tax, whereby small publicans living one or two miles down the road were told their overhead accommodation was liable for the tax. Has a submission been made to the Minister on these issues in light of the impact they have on the drinks industry and small publicans?