James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of commercial rates, in particular the re-valuations that are ongoing across several counties, including County Kildare. This is causing difficulties for high street retailers, in particular, and small traders that have been unduly hit under this re-valuation. Some of them have seen a doubling and trebling of their current rates. On Monday the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government announced his intention to bring forward a Bill on the rates valuation system. He acknowledged serious flaws in the legislation, which dates back to the 1800s, including the fact that the smallest sole trader pays the same rate multiplier as the largest multinational. There are many difficulties with the rates system that are causing significant difficulties for small businesses and high street retailers, in particular. Given the Minister's intention to bring forward legislation, does the Taoiseach consider it wise that the current re-valuation across ten counties should continue? When are we likely to see the proposed legislation in action?

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