Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would be appropriate to extend our sympathies to the people of Oklahoma who have lost so many people over the last number of days, particularly to the parents of the school children who lost their lives. It puts in context our difficulties as parents. They pale into insignificance when we see what the people of Oklahoma have had to endure in recent times. There has been much talk about taxation and I will not go down that route because I am sure the Leader will accede to a request for a debate on our corporate tax but I want to raise a taxation issue that is of grave concern to many small towns around Ireland.

With the forthcoming abolition of town councils, many towns, including my town of Ballinasloe, the traders are very concerned that rates, which are considerably lower than rates in the county of Galway, will increase as a result of the abolition that the county council will decide to increase rates in the town areas. At a time when town centres are struggling and many businesses are closing we must do everything possible to protect our towns. There should be a fundamental review of commercial rates in this country. They should be linked in some way to turnover or profitability. I would like the Minister to come into the House for a debate on the future levying of rates in towns following the abolition of town councils. I will be seeking an assurance from the Government that there will not be an increase in rates as a result of the abolition of town councils. It is such an urgent matter and is of such grave concern to so many towns throughout the country that we should have a debate on it at the earliest possible opportunity and I ask the Leader to organise that.