Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

What we do not want is increases for people who have improved premises, which work does not result in a big increase in income. We should not be discouraging people from improving premises.

The Minister referred to councillors being irresponsible or responsible. Increases or decreases in rates will be determined by income coming from other streams, one of which is the Local Government Fund. Essentially, people are often forced into situations because there is very little discretion with regard to the funding of local authorities.