Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Lawlor. This is a very important section. I totally agree with the section but I would be happier if the variation or the direction the Minister of State may give was tied to something. If it was tied to inflation, as Senator Lawlor stated, I would fully agree with that. There might be 5% in one local authority area and 6% in another. As has been stated, there are many money streams for the local authority members to take into account when finalising their budget. Where does the relevant Minister draw the line in a local authority? Would it be at 5% or 2% in one county, 0% in another county or would it be tied to inflation? The guidelines might stated that it is tied to inflation and once it went above the rate of inflation, the local authority would have to notify the Minister. It does not, however, seem to be tied to any relevant piece of work. I would be happier if it was. Otherwise, I fully agree with the section.Some councils and local authorities may feel it is very easy to put a huge burden on the ratepayer. I saw situations where previous county managers felt 70% or 80% of the rates of the local authority were being paid by big business and multinationals when, at the same time, they were crucifying the smaller people, who were getting huge increases, those of them that had lasted in business. I totally agree with this. I hope the Minister of State will limit it to some reference point, whether annual inflation or an average of annual inflation over a number of years, or something like that.