Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is extremely disappointing that this is not in place yet and that the Minister of State is saying the bills they have received for 2015 are due and payable. Over a year ago we had Fine Gael backbenchers announcing that this had basically come into effect, but the Minister of State is saying it will not come into effect until next year. We put forward a Bill in late 2013 or early 2014. This is an issue that has not been prioritised. It is hard to take. My heart goes out to these clubs because they are genuinely trying to do their best for the local community. These bars are not places where people just walk in for a pint. In many cases, they only open for club events so members can gather, yet they have a huge rates bill. In addition, the Minister is State is now saying they must pay the rates bill for this year, which will come as a huge disappointment.