Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 913: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the rates structure for local authorities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27297/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department has carried out a review of rating legislation with a view to the future introduction of a consolidated rating code. The Commission on Taxation, established in February 2008 in line with the Programme for Government, is currently considering options for the future financing of local government as part of its overall review of the structure, efficiency and appropriateness of the overall Irish taxation system. Legislative proposals will be considered, as appropriate, on completion of the Commission's work.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 914: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to match the recent rise in costs to local authorities with an increase in funding particularly in view of the reduction in contribution levies that local authorities are receiving due to the general fall in planning permissions and household bills nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27298/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am providing substantial general purpose grant funding of over €990 million from the Local Government Fund to Local Authorities for 2008. The amount being made available for general purpose grants this year represents a significant increase over the final allocations for 2007 which totalled €947.7 million.

These grants are my contribution to meet the difference between the cost to each authority of providing day to day services and the income it can generate from local sources such as commercial rates and charges for goods and services. There are no additional resources available to me to increase general purpose funding to local authorities this year. I am satisfied that the general purpose allocations I have provided for 2008, together with the income available from other sources, will enable Local Authorities to provide an acceptable level of service to their customers.