Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the question of rates, I note discussions are ongoing between Dublin City Council and the aforementioned three major organisations. To be fair to them, they accept they are obliged to pay rates because they are competing with hotels in Dublin by hosting functions and events. While they must of course pay rates, negotiations are taking place between the organisations and the local authority on the amount of rates payable and I believe some deals have been done. However, I reiterate the three bodies in question will admit they must pay rates because they are in business. They host functions and are in competition with hotels and bars, which are obliged to pay rates. As businesses must pay rates, the sporting organisations accept they must pay rates but the amount they must pay is a matter for Dublin City Council. Discussions are under way in this regard but I reiterate these bodies are in business and are competing with the private sector. I might add they are doing very well, as I have attended many events, functions and dinners in both the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park. As the private sector must pay rates, so too must the sporting organisations but I agree with the Deputy. Negotiations are under way and some deals have been done with Dublin City Council. However, I reiterate that while the funding provided by the Department this year to the national governing bodies and to the Irish Sports Council has been reduced by 3%, the overall budget has been increased and I am pleased with that.

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