I want to ask about progress on the new commercial rates Bill. The Taoiseach will be aware that many local businesses in County Leitrim, and other counties, have begun to receive their new rates valuations. Unfortunately, and despite the best efforts of the Government to try to help to revive rural Ireland from the effects of the recession, the level of rate increases that have issued is going to have a severely damaging effect on rural businesses that are already struggling to stay open. I would like to know the timeframe on the commercial rates Bill.

As I said to Deputy Eugene Murphy, people who receive an increased assessment for valuation are entitled to appeal that. The Minister is looking at the possibility of rates alleviation. The heads of the Bill are being prepared but I cannot give Deputy McLoughlin an accurate time as to when it is going to come forward to the Ceann Comhairle.