Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to convey my condolences to all the families in the USA. It was terrible to see the scenes on the television. I wish to raise again the question of commercial rates. I have been dealing with a business family in recent weeks who owe €12,000 in commercial rates. They offered to pay €100 a week on top of paying this year's rates. The offer was accepted with a struggle.

In some counties business people are getting write-downs on rates outstanding, whereas in other counties families are being dragged through the courts. The only legislation on rates dates back to the 1800s. Property tax was introduced to start a new rate base when the crash came because the business rate base was gone and local authorities had no funding. Business people thought that with the property tax and a new structured rate base, they would get relief. Instead, things have remained the same and there has been no relief for businesses. Now we see a new rate evaluation happening in most counties. In County Westmeath, Senator Davitt has raised the issue of commercial rates and, like me he, has rattled the cage on the subject. The commercial rates on small businesses have risen by 16%, whereas the rate bases of the large multinational businesses have reduced. The figures Senator Davitt has given me show that with this new evaluation, 50% of retail shops will experience an increase in their rates. It looks as if some people want to close down the small towns in rural Ireland. We will see cactus and weeds growing as we go down the main street.

The organisation, Business Retail Union of Ireland, some of whose representatives I have met, is starting a campaign calling for a national strike on paying rates until something is done. I call on the Deputy Leader to invite the Minister to debate this issue with us to see if there is any light of the tunnel for rural Ireland.