Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Deputy asked many questions. I nearly needed notice of many of them. The revaluation process is something I will bring to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. To give credit to the Deputy's Government, there was a review of local authority costs which indicated the capacity for, I understand, a cost reduction of €500 million to be achieved by the local government sector. Clearly, the long-term solution to rates is to start getting the cost base right.

On the timing of legislation, I have spoken to my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Law Reform. It is an issue which has been contentious in terms of the view of the former Attorney General who took the view that upward only rents could not be restricted on existing leases. There is an alternative legal opinion on this. There is a general view that while there are property rights in the Constitution, they are not untrammelled rights and in certain circumstances they can be set aside in the greater public interest. That will require the Minister for Justice and Law Reform and the Attorney General to work on the issue.

The functions of the Minister of State have not been finalised. I thank the Deputy for his welcome for his appointment. The Minister of State, Deputy Perry, will bring not only energy but a huge understanding of the sector to the Department. I intend that his delegated functions will give him full scope to work on the concerns of small business.

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