John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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230. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the main headings of his proposals to reform the system of commercial rates; if there is a timeframe for the introduction of the legislation required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21748/17]

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 Acts 2001 to 2015. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.

Commercial rates form an important element of the funding of all local authorities. However, the legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. Many of the provisions are outdated and not suitable for business trends in the modern era. My Department has developed legislative proposals to modernise and consolidate the legislation governing commercial rates.  The main issues being addressed in the General Scheme include; the consolidation of over 20 separate pieces of legislation dealing with commercial rates into a single enactment; improved enforcement powers for local authorities to collect rates; provisions to allow the local authority to introduce rates alleviation schemes to support national and local policy objectives; and provisions for temporary abatement for vacant premises.

In this regard, the Government approved the drafting of a Rates Bill at its meeting on 11 April 2017.  These proposals will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny in due course, the outcome of which will be considered in the detailed drafting of the legislation, which will be advanced as quickly as possible.