Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1083. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider classifying casual trading fees paid to councils as commercial rates in order to allow businesses to claim the restart grant, rates write-offs and other supports being administered by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11520/20]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The levying and collection of rates are legally matters for each individual local authority. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes.  Similarly, the control, regulation, supervision and administration of casual trading are  reserved functions for the elected members of each local authority.  I have no power under legislation to classify casual trading fees in the manner suggested in the Question.

The Restart Fund and the associated terms and conditions are matters for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.