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

I am raising this issue again today because a new appeals system will come into effect in September. While there have been meetings held by some local authorities around the criteria and so on, there are also new categories provided for this time. I am calling on the Leader to ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to address this issue, which is not only a Carlow issue but a national issue. In regard to crèches, for example, the rate applicable to a purpose-built crèche is cheaper than the rate applicable to a crèche located in a house. That is unacceptable. There are pubs and other businesses similarly affected. This new appeals system needs to work. As I understand it, it will be similar to the system that applies in respect of the local property tax. There have already been rate increases in certain areas and decreases in others. If we do not get this right, businesses will close.

When I last raised this issue, the Leader told me it was a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney. However, I have since found out that the system has changed and it now comes within the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to address us on this issue? Members of her own party do not know who is in charge of the revaluation process. As I said, this is a national issue and there is a great deal of confusion around it in different areas. Can I count on the Leader to have the Minister come to the House to address us on the matter?