Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Paudie Coffey was concerned about the fact that this provision could become a revenue-raising mechanism for local authorities. That is the price one pays for democracy when devolving functions. It is up to the local authority membership to decide, most of whom I expect to be pro-enterprise and practical individuals elected by the people to present initiatives that will be pro-employment. This is an important vehicle by which we can meet the objective of mobilising property into employment creating opportunities. The commercial rates refund scheme is not a revenue-raising mechanism but a policy instrument to meet certain objectives in local authority areas.

The valuation Bill is on Committee Stage to be taken in the Seanad next month. I have fed into that Bill as I agree with having a joined-up approach to these issues. It is critical legislation in meeting some of the targeted responses for small businesses that Deputies Billy Timmins and Denis Naughten have mentioned. All of us will be keeping an eye on that legislation’s progress.

On the examples of Greystones and Arklow given by Deputy Billy Timmins, it must be remembered that these are difficult decisions that councillors in each municipal and local elected area need to make. It will depend on the budgetary arithmetic in each county. I am sure one will have a different view on this issue at the plenary sessions in the local authority areas in County Wicklow. That is the way it is. One has to argue the point and get the majority on side for whatever devolved responsibilities and reserved functions I will give to councillors to allow for maximum discretion in dealing with this issue. I am delighted some Deputies referred to the difficulties one might have with devolved responsibilities because on Second Stage I was told there was not much in the Bill on devolving functions at local level. It is gratifying to hear the concerns Members have about giving too much power to local councillors.

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