John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to mention the other two amendments. With regard to the 50% issue and the rebate I understand that the Minister will allow discretion in the local authorities. We appreciate that he has accepted the essence of our amendment. To impose a 50% bill on a vacant premises would be a mistake. A two-tier economy exists. I understand from the Committee Stage debate that the Minister will allow the local authorities have discretion and there will be no statutory enforcement of that 50% outside Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

The last amendment has to do with arrears. I understand that the Minister will table an amendment in the Seanad to deal with the arrears that are tacked onto a new sale or a leasehold. Perhaps the Minister could address how he proposes to deal with that in the Seanad.

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