Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I was going to speak on the revaluation of commercial rates that has been happening across the country. This is happening in my home area of Carlow and Kilkenny at the moment. I believe the confusion over the revaluation is the way the system has been set up. It is a new system. It is very confusing when businesses have received their rates. In my area it is multiplied by 0.269. There seems to be a whole different system. I have concerns about it. I will address it to the Minister. I am raising it because I want to compliment Carlow County Council, which is holding a day for businesses there to explain the system next Monday.

Under this new system, there are appeals. Unlike before, commercial rates will be put into categories, which I think is good, but some rates have gone up and others down. It is crucial that the appeals system works with businesses because they are only surviving. I also have concerns about crèches. Crèches and nurseries are now educational. I have represented many crèches where their rates have increased by €1,000 or €1,500 or more. It is an awful amount. I am asking that the Government look at this system and the genuine appeals. These are genuine people who are merely making ends meet. These new criteria should be addressed but the appeals system is crucial.