Not for the first time I raise the issue of commercial rates in this country, which are sucking the lifeblood from many small businesses and threatening their viability. The current revaluation occurring in many counties also exacerbates the concerns of those businesses. As opposed to hearing it in this House, we read in yesterday's newspaper that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is in the process of introducing some changes. I refer specifically to the fact that heads of a Bill were promised for publication. Many Deputies and I have asked over the past number of months when we could expect timelines on the introduction of this legislation. Businesses and small businesses in particular are suffering and need change. I ask the Taoiseach to specifically indicate when it will come to the House and when we can expect a change in this archaic, 150-year-old system.

The Government expects to have the heads of this Bill presented to the Cabinet in mid-April. We hope we can approve them and send them for pre-legislative scrutiny at that stage.

Again, we understand through the media that a memo was to be brought to the Cabinet this morning relating to a scheme that would help landowners and people affected by flooding over the past number of years. When will we have an opportunity to debate such a scheme in this House? I am sure the Taoiseach will appreciate there are good suggestions on all sides of the House as to how an appropriate scheme could be introduced to help support families who have been devastated in the recent past by flooding on the banks of the River Shannon.

There was a discussion about that this morning but we did not conclude it because, as the Deputy says, there were a number of suggestions from people. It is important to bear in mind that this must be targeted and very focused. It must define accurately the categories that are required. The Minister of State would not be in the position to have a sort of free-for-all with some national scheme. That matter was brought to the Cabinet this morning by the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and he will return with it again next week.