Results 43,561-43,580 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

European Stability Mechanism (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I did not interrupt the Deputy and I listened to him for 20 minutes. I would like him to do the same. The budget will be announced in the House in two weeks and the agreement should be seen in that context. I also refer to a point raised by Deputy Creighton on the issue of the IMF early repayment and her viewpoint on the sale of bonds. These are very separate issues and this was...

European Stability Mechanism (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank all Deputies from all sides of the House for their constructive contributions to this discussion. We have had a broad range of views expressed and I acknowledge that we have received support for the Bill from Members on all sides of the House, although not all Members, given the opposition of Deputy Peter Mathews. The purpose of the legislation is to make provision for the...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The Bills Office will amend the title in the consolidated Bill after Committee Stage.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I am informed that one does not change the name of a sub-part of a Bill on Committee Stage.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I said we will refer in future to occupier assisted valuation as this term more accurately describes what will happen in practice. The Senator has correctly quoted the Minister, Deputy Howlin, on Second Stage but we are trying to introduce a balanced system whereby the occupier can provide more information to the Valuation Office or provide an alternative valuation. This system will allow...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I do not agree with the assertion that this is markedly different. There was always an intention that the rate payer could provide his or her own valuation to the Valuation Office and this remains the case. I am trying to be clear that there is a situation where the Valuation Office will have to assess a valuation - it need not accept a valuation that is provided. This system is more...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I have been led to believe that amendments Nos. 27 to 30, inclusive, are also included in the group.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: We are now moving to a set of amendments to Part 5A of the Bill, which was originally intended to introduce an element of self-assessment for ratepayers. This is an issue we have already touched upon in the debate, particularly the contribution from Senator Tom Sheahan. Before detailing specific amendments, I wish to give some background to the changes proposed for the new Part 5A. The use...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I can send the Senator a copy.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: Not any more.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: While I do not like to disagree with Senator Byrne, for the sake of disagreement because it all has been far too harmonious, the local property tax changes this structure as local authorities now receive a revenue base from residences within their county or authority area. County and city councillors have a decision to make on whether they wish to keep all of it at the same national rate or...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: There must be dynamics at play in County Meath.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: In recent years, County Meath has been a bastion of support for Fine Gael. However, to revert to earlier comments, I also make the point to Senator Byrne that the pie remains the same. In the case of people who make more profit or people who have higher turnover, whichever way one wishes to argue it, there are other taxes. This tax does not occur in isolation and is not a charge in...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The Government has a range of ways to tax profitability. One could argue that it is taxing some small entrepreneurs too highly. Consequently, I am satisfied that there already is an indirect link to rates in respect of profitability through the issue of leasing value. I am satisfied the revaluation process will address some of the issues raised by Senator Mullins and I am satisfied that...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: No, I am satisfied that I have said all I can today.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I do not think I will please Senator Byrne.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I appreciate the difficulties that businesses face, which I have observed in my own constituency and through my work. However, businesses also have a right to expect local government and that the people we elect in local elections will make decisions which reflect ability to pay. This Government has increased the base of revenue for local authorities. We have seen how councillors have made...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank the Senators for an interesting debate and exchange on this issue. I am sympathetic to the point being made on all sides of the House regarding the pressures on businesses, which I have observed in my own county. However, the Bill allows us to fix the way in which we value a building and the letting value of that building. Revaluation will go some way towards addressing the issues...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I fully accept the Senator’s bona fides in questioning this. As Senator Mullins said, there is nothing sinister in it. The Bill is about modernising our valuation system and, where possible, helping the ratepayer. Thankfully, as my officials inform me, there are very few instances of this. While I do not have statistics to hand, it is not a widespread problem. However, any of us...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: Section 10 extends the period of time under section 26(2) of the Act of 2001 in relation to the right of an occupier to make representations on a proposed valuation made under section 19 from 28 days to a proposed 40 days. The section also provides for an amendment to section 26(3) to enable the valuation manager, if he or she thinks it appropriate to do so, to amend the terms of the...