Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I also compliment the local authorities, which are very flexible, and I understand that rates make a significant contribution to paying for the cost of footpaths, lighting and all of the other great facilities our local authorities provide. However, my understanding is that according to the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 there was an anomaly and these facilities should never have been rated. While I appreciate it is the job of local authorities to collect the rates, they can only collect those covered by legislation.

Will the Minister consider writing to the local authorities to state that where community child care facilities are in arrears, they should not have to pay them because of the extra strain? I am very much aware the local authorities are very flexible in helping businesses to pay their rates, particularly in light of the economic times we have all come through, but these are not-for-profit facilities which are now exempt from rates. There was an anomaly in the legislation which unfortunately took quite a number of years to rectify. I appreciate what the Minister has done in clarifying this, finally, after much lobbying. I again ask whether it is possible for the Minister to consider writing to the local authorities and asking them to waive these arrears.

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