51 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the scheme of rates remission in relation to Department of the Marine grants as well as industries who obtain IDA and Udaras na Gaeltachta grants in order that primary producers of aquacultural products who are land based will not be liable for the payment of rates similar to other primary food producers such as farmers, poultry and pig producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2674/97]

As I indicated in my recent Budget Statement, the draft heads of a valuation Bill to update and overhaul the valuation code have been completed in my Department. It is my intention to submit this matter to Government as soon as possible with the objective of publishing a valuation Bill later this year. The points made by the Deputy will be considered in that context.