John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I do not accept the rental value argument when it comes to retail properties versus manufacturing and industrial properties because of what I know about what is happening not only in the retail sector but also in small businesses and pubs. The way manufacturing and industrial properties can see a sizeable reduction in rates compared to small businesses in small towns which are seeing increases of 40% to 50% does not add up. I seriously question this. Thought has not been given to the effect this has on small businesses.

A new word is being used in terms of the Government in that people now like to talk about group-think, but it is being used for a different purpose. The problem is that there is no group-think when it comes to the Government and rates. There has been a lack of connectivity, communication and linkages with regard to different Departments that have a stake in this issue. That is a problem, notwithstanding the work Mr. O'Sullivan does and the efficient way in which he does it. It is not a criticism of his office as I have said to him previously, but this has implications for the Government and a sector of society that funds local government and which is finding it far more difficult to stay in existence. This has implications for the Government and the funding of local government. I do not think these issues have been taken into consideration.