David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have no difficulty whatever in supporting the amendment. My roots are in the midlands and I sometimes visit County Laois. In many of the small towns I see that small businesses are closed, many because of rates they cannot afford. I very much agree with the possibility envisaged in this amendment that rates may not only be increased but also decreased. It is absolutely right in a circumstance where a business is struggling and is on the margins that the council should be allowed to decrease its rates to allow the business to continue and survive.