Mr. Paddy Malone:

Louth has the lowest collection rates in the country. The last time I appeared before the committee, it was below 50%, which led several members to email me asking for the correct figure. I gave them the exact figure, which was 49%. It has exceeded that but not significantly. The rates need to be rebalanced and reduced on a temporary basis. I argued this with the Taoiseach and he said it could not be done because of EU rules. We should seek a derogation for three, four or five years, just to let everything settle. I do not want the Border moved from between Armagh and Louth to between Drogheda and Meath. I want a derogation that comes down through the system. The fact that rates are being revalued at the moment gives an ideal opportunity to do this.

Businesses in the Border region are not paying rates. The collection rates for Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan local authorities are almost as bad, though I do not know exactly what they are. We need to recognise the fact that we are not collecting rates and that if we are only collecting 52% or 53%, it means PayPal, Horseware and other companies are paying while firms on main street in Dundalk and Drogheda are not paying anything. We need to get them to pay something. They might make an effort to pay something they can afford to pay, rather than not even try to pay.