Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Bill gives us an opportunity to discuss the rateable valuation system which operates in Ireland. It is a perfect opportunity to see not only whether the legislation is good but whether the system is fit for purpose.

Yesterday afternoon we dealt with Revised Estimates with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, including Revised Estimates for the Valuation Office, and as this Bill was scheduled for discussion today I asked a few questions and said I would raise the issues again today. In reply to a parliamentary question yesterday, the Minister stated this is the first general revaluation of all commercial properties since the middle of the 19th century and progress is being made. I suggest progress is not being made.

Commercial rates are part of a three-legged stool which existed in the 19th century, along with agricultural rates, which were found to be unconstitutional, and domestic rates, which were abolished 40 years ago, before the Minister of State was even born.

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