Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A harmonisation process is under way. It is happening on a county-by-county basis. The Valuation Office is carrying out the work. Some counties are still two years' away from the process while others have had it carried out. I think the revaluation process is currently being carried out in County Kildare. Any time there are rates revaluations, it causes quite a lot of strife because some businesses win and others lose. I accept revaluation is a difficult process for some businesses as I have been contacted by some of them. That said, if we are serious about modernising how the rates base is calculated and doing it in a way that is consistent, we must address inaccuracies that might have built up over time. That is what the revaluation process is all about. Businesses that feel they are being harshly or unfairly treated should avail of the appeals process that is available to them. The Valuation Office does need to be independent. It is not even in my Department. I accept the appeals process is in place for good reason and businesses who feel they are getting unfair treatment should make their case.

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