Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 41:

In page 11, between lines 38 and 39, to insert the following:“(13) The Commissioner will also take account of the profitability of current occupier if valuation is based on use of premises by previous occupier.”.

This amendment relates to legacy rates. Where a premises has been empty and a new start-up business takes over it may be rated the same as the previous occupier, although in many cases, particularly in cities and big towns, high rates are one of the factors that force some businesses to close. The argument behind this amendment is that the new rate should be based on the profitability of the new business.