Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I have a query about the impact of the Valuation Act 2001. I understand what the Minister is trying to achieve in the amalgamated valuation list. The Minister referred earlier to an entire council area being taken over by one local authority. He will be aware that the city and county councils in Waterford are amalgamating. The Minister is on record as saying that in that scenario he would not like to see rates rising. The additional complication of the revaluation under the Valuation Act 2001 is resulting in serious increases in rates for Waterford city businesses, particularly retail businesses. While I am aware that the Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2012 comes within the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, in the interests of fairness and ensuring a successful amalgamation in terms of bringing stakeholders with us, including those who pay rates and have been for many years contributing revenue to the local authorities, there should be no further increases in rates during the amalgamation process, as this would cause serious problems for business. Perhaps the Minister would clarify the position in this regard.