Local property tax valuation
Martin returns to property tax, while the Taoiseach says valuations will not change before 2017 and that an expert report is being finalised.
In respect of property tax, I am glad there has been an increase in property prices which takes many people locked in negative equity for a number of years out of that particular trap. There will be no change in the design of the valuation of properties until 2017. The Minister for Finance is conscious of the increase in property prices and has asked Dr. Don Thornhill who did extensive work on the drafting of the property valuations in the first place to present a report to him. That report is in the process of being finalised. There will be ample opportunity for the Government to consider the best options open to it. There will be no change in the property valuations until 2017. The Minister for Finance expects to have the Thornhill report soon.
We referred earlier to the fair deal scheme and the extra moneys that were allocated. The waiting period is down from 11 weeks to four weeks. The Minister has received that report and is considering it. Obviously, it will be published in due course.
Comment on this
The Minister is saying that for six months.