John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would make the case that it might be better not to do this valuation right now because of the damage it will do to a rate base which has shrunk too much as it is. The damage this will do to the economy across the board is not worth it. Mr. O'Sullivan made the point about the reason for doing this but I ask why legislation is being introduced. A vehicle was introduced in the Seanad which allows for a system of self-assessment. This is not a panacea and some people may presume self-assessment will mean an automatic reduction in the rates but I know that is not the case. Why was this legislation introduced? The reasons have been given but I ask how will it improve the situation. The question for people who are being rated now is whether under the new legislation they will be given the opportunity to use self-assessment in Waterford and other places after the Valuation Office valuation has been completed and the new legislation has been adopted and enacted.