Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

266. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when he will set up the review into the local authority commercial rates and valuation system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36357/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 Acts 2001-2015. The Commissioner of Valuation comes under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

The principle of local authorities levying rates based on an independent valuation is well established and I have no plans to change this. However, the legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. I have asked my Department to develop proposals for the preparation of a consolidated Rates Bill to modernise and consolidate the legislation in this area. I hope to bring proposals to Government in this regard shortly.