Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Not for the first time I raise the issue of commercial rates in this country, which are sucking the lifeblood from many small businesses and threatening their viability. The current revaluation occurring in many counties also exacerbates the concerns of those businesses. As opposed to hearing it in this House, we read in yesterday's newspaper that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is in the process of introducing some changes. I refer specifically to the fact that heads of a Bill were promised for publication. Many Deputies and I have asked over the past number of months when we could expect timelines on the introduction of this legislation. Businesses and small businesses in particular are suffering and need change. I ask the Taoiseach to specifically indicate when it will come to the House and when we can expect a change in this archaic, 150-year-old system.

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