Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 22, between lines 37 and 38, to insert the following:
“30. Part 12 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting after section 55 the following:

“55(A). (a) The Minister may introduce a legislative mechanism for a review of rates based on changes to value of a property from any cause.

(b) The Minister may make regulations in relation to the procedure to ensure a national evaluation of rates every 5 years.”.”.

This amendment aims to get the Minister to review the definition of "material change of circumstances" or MCC as it is called. I suggest the material change of circumstances, as contained in section 3 of the Principal Act, is much more reflective of the needs of business. As I stated previously, the current system only allows a rent review when there is a physical change to a property, such as an extension to it. There should be a provision to allow all circumstances to be taken on board when seeking a rates review. These should include economic factors that effect a change in the value or if there is a sharp decline - Members have talked about the profitability of the business. However, there should be a provision for a change of circumstances of the business and not simply an extension or a building change.
In addition, there should be a mechanism to get rates reviewed every five years at a minimum and the second part of the amendment aims to get progress in that area. I realise it may be late in the day to introduce such legislative mechanisms at this stage but something can be included in the Bill to get some impetus into this area and I believe it is worthy of consideration. While I would like to think it could be accepted now, I wish to hear the view of the Minister of State.