Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Comptroller and Auditor General concluded in respect of how, following revaluation, the change in the rates for a particular property can be, as he called it, "substantial." He put it mildly because he is a gentleman but I would say they are getting hammered. One can see the example that he gave in respect of Limerick where an annual rates bill increased from €16,000 to €490,000. Exactly this time last year, counties across the midlands were hit hard by the process. I met groups in here this time last year who made representations. I remember meeting business owners in Longford last year during my party's think-in in that town. I recall meeting one man who explained how he was hit by a fourfold increase in rates. He was publicly named and there is no problem with me doing so now. It was publican Andy Byrne who was hit by a fourfold increase. Where is the fairness in the system? There is a big difference, as outlined, between Dawson Street in Dublin and Main Street in Longford town.

Given the Comptroller and Auditor General's conclusion, I have a question. He outlined the process that the Valuation Office takes in the build up to the revaluation process and how it engages in x, y and z. What help do businesses receive when faced with a massive spike in their rates bill? Such hikes can put a guy out of business fairly sharpish. Mr. Andy Byrne said that had he been aware of the potential increase in rates it would have influenced the negotiation of the five-year lease for his particular premises. He also said that although the rate rise will not put him out of business it will limit his ability to hire staff. Of course, if we are in the game of job creation, the imposition of that spike has massive ramifications that people should be cognisant of. The Commissioner of the Valuation Office mentioned, when he concluded his statement, that his office is cognisant. I have highlighted the reality for people. How are businesses helped to face the massive hikes generated as result of the work of the Valuation Office? I ask the Commissioner to touch on the appeals process that he was going to talk about as well.