The Taoiseach must be aware that many businesses, especially small and medium-sized firms, are in trading difficulties, as are many in the retail and catering sectors. Many are waiting for a revaluation of their commercial rates but there is a systemic inability in the Valuation Office to do that in a timely manner. When will the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 come before the Dáil to address this?

I understand the Government has announced its intention to amalgamate the Valuation Office, the Property Registration Authority and the Ordnance Survey in one new State organisation. Will the delay in putting this new agency together cause further delays for businesses that need their commercial rates revalued to a lower and more realistic level than the current rate? Will they be left waiting longer? When will we see both items of legislation, the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill and the amalgamation of those agencies?

The heads of the Tailte Éireann Bill for the amalgamation of those units were cleared on 20 January and it will now go to committee for pre-legislative discussion and analysis.

The Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 is expected in the Dáil in a couple of weeks. It is going through the Seanad. The Deputy will have ample opportunity to comment on it then.