Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Tánaiste was recently asked about his commitment to the upward only rent reviews. In response, and reneging on his commitment prior to the election, he said there would be a review of the Valuation Act. We are all receiving representations from businesses across the country which are finding it increasingly difficult to pay the type of rates they were being charged when they had 60 employees when they now have six. This alone illustrates the loss of income and turnover that exists and their incapacity to meet the payments being demanded. It is time the Tánaiste gave the House a definitive time line for the review of the Valuation Act. When will the review commence, when is it due to be completed and when will proposals be put before the House to ease the burden on businesses throughout the country that are struggling to make ends meet? In the absence of addressing the upward only rent review issue, will the Tánaiste at least address the issue of rates?

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