Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Page 45 of the programme for Government refers to commercial rate valuations. I have correspondence from numerous small businesses in Carlow and Kilkenny which are being crippled by 300% and 400% increases in rates following a review carried out last year. Some of the business owners I spoke to will have to close if the rates keep rising. Fianna Fáil introduced a Bill in the Dáil proposing that the level of increase for an individual business be capped and that increases should be staggered at the discretion of the local authority over a five-year period. This would mean increases are limited and spread over time rather than the current system which involves a single large increase. There is a clear need for a formal appeals mechanism for businesses to the local authority to restructure debt payments on the basis of inability to pay. The Government should also consider a choice of direct debit payments rather than two tranches of payments to help businesses cope with cashflow issues. Turnover and square meterage should also be considered. I hear from numerous business owners who have appealed rates increases that they have not yet heard back from the Valuation Office. What is the status of the commercial rates Bill? Will the Minister include measures within the legislation to address these issues.

See this speech in context