Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I do not propose to accept these amendments as they stand. The existing provisions in section 129D provide that a copy of the BID proposal must be made available at the principal offices of the rating authority concerned. The existing provisions in section 129D(a) do not prevent a rating authority from posting a BID proposal on the Internet. In addition, section 129E(d) does not prevent a rating authority specifying an Internet website address in the public notice, which invites input to the Bill proposal.

I am, however, prepared to consider an amendment which provides that a BID proposal may be made available on its website by the rating authority. If acceptable to the House, I will propose such an amendment on Report Stage. There may be aspects of a BID proposal that may not readily transfer to electronic format. In addition, there may be issues as regards obtaining licences, for example in the case of maps, which could delay the total BID process. I hope this will be acceptable to the Senator.