Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to Senators in this House, to my own officials and to the interest groups, particularly the Irish Hotels Federation and the Society of Chartered Surveyors, for their interaction on a subject that generated much debate in this House on Committee Stage, namely, the interpretation of the new section 19(5) and whether an occupier's right to appeal was in any way restricted. In recent weeks there have been a significant number of engagements between officials and the relevant stakeholders. Legal advice has also been obtained. The result of the engagements and advice received is this amendment to section 37 which is being inserted to remove any doubt that may exist about the jurisdiction of the Valuation Tribunal regarding the method to which it may have regard in its determination of the value of the property. This wording makes it clear that the Valuation Tribunal is not restricted in any way on the method to which it chooses to have reference, regardless of what method the valuation manager used in determining a value in the first instance. I understand this wording has been drawn up in consultation with stakeholders and I am pleased to be informed that it allays their concerns in this area. Once again, I thank everybody for a constructive engagement. I hope we have put concerns beyond doubt and that we have what is perhaps a more robust section.