Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Reilly for tabling these amendments. Again, I note what she is trying to do but I would contend that the Government has already gone some way towards doing what is envisaged. The 40-day period in which to make representations on a revision is already being extended in the Bill from the 28-day period which currently applies. The proposed 40 days in which representations can be made is identical to that in respect of first making appeals to the commissioner under the 2001 Act. It has worked as a reasonable period for the more formal appeals stage so it should also serve in the same way for the more informal representation stage, in respect of which the 28-day period to which I refer currently applies. If the period for making representations is extended beyond 40 days, it will provide a further rates-free period for new properties being added to the valuation list for the first time. It will also give the occupier of a new property an unfair advantage over competitors. A new property occupier has probably already enjoyed a rates-free period as he or she waits for his or her property to be added to the valuation list. We are keen to ensure that the representations period - the more informal appeals process - will be as accessible as possible. That is why we have extended it from 28 days to 40. To extend it further would just create a logjam.