Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am glad to participate in something that is very important for so many businesses throughout the country. As Mr. Quinlan noted, €1.5 billion is raised in commercial rates. It is the most significant contributor in the running of local councils throughout the country. I echo what Deputy Ó Broin said. I appreciate that everything is time sensitive, but what is happening with the Bill before us is similar to what happened in the case of the Cork city Bill, when an amendment was proposed on Report Stage to provide for municipal councils across boundaries. However, it failed because it was such a late addition and there was not a proper debate on it.

I thank Mr. Quinlan for the briefing. He raised issues with the Planning Act and RSESs and I would appreciate it if he fleshed them out.

In time regional assemblies will have more clout than councils, which will have a significant impact on the hierarchy of plans ranging from the national development plan to regional strategies and those of councils. As we are discussing a Bill on rates, I would like to flesh out what the impact will be.