Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, exactly. In referring to such places, I do not believe they pose a direct threat to town centres and in fact are necessary. However, I understand the Senator has dealt with this issue and I will accept that.

I ask the Minister of State to comment on the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012. While Senator Cummins stated that it was due shortly, that Bill was before the House on Second Stage in autumn 2012 or perhaps even earlier. Members on this side, as well as some on the Government side, raised serious constitutional issues about that Bill and, as a result, it has not been heard from since. In fact, it arose during the course of the Seanad referendum campaign as an example in which the Seanad had done its job - that is, not to knock down a Bill but to point out flaws and to get them corrected. I presume this is the process that is going on. The Minister of State might provide Members with an update in this regard, because there are a range of issues pertaining to valuations that must be dealt with and are being dealt with in the aforementioned Bill, together with the important, albeit radical, point being made by Senator Coghlan. Were this Bill to be enacted, as I hope, it would make a big change. It would be big and would be really helpful. While it would unquestionably disadvantage some people, it would help the small local retailer and town centres.

I reiterate that I wish to know when the aforementioned Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 will return to the House. During the Seanad referendum campaign, someone by coincidence asked the Taoiseach in the Dáil about the status of the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, and he replied that the Bill was in the Seanad, which was dealing with it, and that, as the questioner was aware, they would take their time. The Taoiseach did not appear to be aware that the Seanad had raised serious constitutional issues. As far as I can ascertain, Members of this House were being blamed at that time for delaying the Bill when, in fact, I believe it is somewhere in the Government machinery. However, that Bill is really urgent and includes a range of provisions that will help. While I believe it could go further and other changes could be made, people are waiting for the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 to come through. They are waiting for the radical reform of the rates system that they were promised and I certainly seek comment on that issue. I congratulate Senator Paul Coghlan on his introduction of this Bill. It is very useful and helpful and Fianna Fáil Members hope it will be enacted. I look forward to hearing Senator Coghlan's conclusions, when he will address a couple of minor points I have raised.