Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I have been approached by people in small towns and villages who are in the pub trade. One person told me that he pays rates of ¤4,500 for the pub even though he has only a few customers during the week and a few more at the weekend. The rates are a significant burden for such businesses. The possibility of a reduction of rates for such businesses will give them a chance of survival.

Will rates be applied to the piers and buildings in County Leitrim which are connected to the Shannon-Erne canal? This is a tourist attraction which draws people into the county. I note the Bill will reduce the overall rates by spreading the burden across more areas and that rates will be retained in the council area. I ask the Minister of State to elaborate on this point.

I refer to another problem with regard to arrears of rates. I hope that the arrears will not be attached to the premises because a new owner hoping to start a new business would not want the burden of historic arrears. This is the current position.