Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before there is widespread panic, let us be very clear. The purpose of the amendment is to reduce the rate bills for sports clubs. One can argue that the system needs to be tightened and suggest how that should be done. I am happy to engage on those points between now and Report Stage and consider any amendments which would ensure that what we are trying to do is achieved. I am more than open to that.
There is and always has been a principle in valuations of de minimus, and that will continue for guidelines. The Valuations Office is not in the business of checking whether an upstairs meeting room was rented out to an organisation. The purpose of the amendment is to improve the current lot. If there are amendments on Report Stage to tighten this up and Senators wish to meet my officials to discuss them, I am happy to facilitate that.
Senators can do as they wish, but they should not try to create panic. I want to be very clear, as Minister of State with responsibility for this Bill, that its purpose is to reduce the rate bills for sports clubs. I am giving an assurance to sports clubs in this country that between now and the passing of the Bill that is what will be achieved, and it is something which has not been achieved in previous valuations Bills. It was discussed in this Chamber and the other House in 2001 and no progress was made on it, because it is a tricky area.