Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael)

I have a question which crosses two Departments. On the revaluation of rates, the introduction of a property tax next year will ensure local authorities have a larger rate base and allow them to share the rates burden among everybody. I ask that the revaluation of business premises commence immediately. While several local authorities in the Dublin area have completed revaluation exercises, they are needed nationwide because the valuation of properties is wrong in some cases. This must be fast-tracked and I believe it may be the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan.

My next request may fall within the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. It is that legislation be introduced to the Oireachtas to give county managers and elected representatives of local authorities greater discretion in respect of rates. In a case in which a business venture goes out of business and a rates bill for the premises is owed to the local authority, were someone else to take over the premises, the bill would remain to be paid, which is unfair. These are unprecedented times in which so many people are unemployed and any assistance that could be provided towards job creation should be considered. If the renting of a property would help to create one job, that should be done. This is an immediate measure that must be put in place through the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. County managers and elected representatives should be given powers to change the law on rates because it is not right that they remain to be paid on a premises even where a venture has gone out of business.

Incidentally, I remind rural Members present that the septic tank legislation has been passed and they should not forget to register by 28 September.