Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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408. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to examine the issue of outstanding commercial rates due to Louth County Council with a view to introducing a scheme or an amnesty for commercial businesses which are struggling with arrears of rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10386/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes, in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. As with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of due amounts is a matter for the local authority concerned to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal accountancy procedures. Commercial rates income makes a significant contribution to the current funding requirements of local authorities. However, local authorities work closely with ratepayers experiencing difficulty in the payment of commercial rates. In this regard, local authorities endeavour to work with businesses to put in place flexible payment options that reflect capacity to pay.