Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I would also like to say to Deputy Higgins, clearly, there are exemptions built into this process. Properties that are part of a trading stock of a business do not need to declare. Local authority properties used for social housing, voluntary or co-operative properties, old properties owned by charities where commercial rates apply and where a person is forced to face home due to long-term mental or physical infirmity or elderly people who have moved into a nursing home - these are all examples of the thousands of exemptions that apply. As the Deputy is aware, the €2 per week goes to provide essential services such as footpaths, lighting, libraries and other facilities.

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