Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We know the system of rates we have traditionally is probably not responsive to the modern economy in certain areas and certainly needs further modernisation. We know as well that those bills are crippling for many enterprises. We talk about remaining competitive but it is very difficult to do so when, before it starts at all, a business has those types of bills to pay. That is why I very much welcome the decision that was made on the scrapping of rates for the initial three months. As stated earlier in response to a previous question, that will be reviewed as the situation evolves. The roadmap we announced on Friday is just that. It is subject to change depending on how the overall health situation evolves. We hope that if we are looking at any changes, it will be moving forward the phases but that is not guaranteed. The one predictable thing about viruses is that they are terribly unpredictable. That is unfortunately the space we are in.

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