Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange for an early debate, before 5 June, on the issue of accountable and effective local government. A very important document issued yesterday which refers to the freezing of business rates for three years and the halving of levies on buildings for two years, provided people are wise enough to vote for Fianna Fáil so that it has a majority on councils. I hope this proposal will be extended throughout the country. It is a good idea to halve for two years levies for those who proceed with building. This will provide an incentive to builders who have received planning permission to proceed with projects. It would be worthwhile to have a debate on that issue. We should also discuss the freezing of rates for businesses for three years. This is a great incentive and we should debate the matter before 5 June to ensure we get the returns to which we are entitled in the elections.