I wish to raise the issue of commercial rates, in particular the re-valuations that are ongoing across several counties, including County Kildare. This is causing difficulties for high street retailers, in particular, and small traders that have been unduly hit under this re-valuation. Some of them have seen a doubling and trebling of their current rates. On Monday the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government announced his intention to bring forward a Bill on the rates valuation system. He acknowledged serious flaws in the legislation, which dates back to the 1800s, including the fact that the smallest sole trader pays the same rate multiplier as the largest multinational. There are many difficulties with the rates system that are causing significant difficulties for small businesses and high street retailers, in particular. Given the Minister's intention to bring forward legislation, does the Taoiseach consider it wise that the current re-valuation across ten counties should continue? When are we likely to see the proposed legislation in action?

I call Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin on the same matter.

I also wish to raise a query on the commercial rates Bill, which I understand will consolidate the existing legislation. We know that businesses throughout the country are struggling. They are dealing with increases in insurance and rents and now in rates. Last week in my county of Kildare, where there are more than 5,000 of them, all the ratepayers got letters relating to increased rents. I accept that the council sets the rate, but the issue is with the valuation. In almost all of those cases, the valuation has increased. In one situation, where rent of €12,000 is being paid, the Valuation Office is saying that the rent for the area should be €30,000, so the rates have increased from €5,500 to €7,200. This is not sustainable. The hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit. We must do everything in our power to ensure that our businesses are sustainable. They are providing employment and services. We must do more on the rates.

I call Deputy Tony McLoughlin on the same matter.

I am sure the Taoiseach is aware that new legislation is urgently needed to improve the outdated rates valuation system. Only this week, some ratepayers in County Sligo received increases of up to 400%. There is quite a lot of businesses in County Sligo. In support of the other Deputies, I say that the increases are quite simply unacceptable. Will the Taoiseach provide an update on the progress of the new rates Bill?

There are always problems associated with rates and commercial premises. In terms of retail outlets, everyone should be aware of the double digit increases in online retail sales. Government has set out a series of assistances for retailers, including opportunities to go online with assistance from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin mentioned increases in rents. Those may be related to the issue but they have nothing to do with the legislation itself. The heads of the Bill are due to be brought before Government next month and will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny.

In respect of the comments about the hospitality sector, the Government abolished the travel tax, reduced VAT from 13.5% to 9% and maintained the VAT rate at that lower level through the last three or four budgets. The Government has worked with the agencies for Norwegian Air to fly new routes from four airports to the United States. The number of new outlets flying into Ireland for the hospitality sector has greatly increased over recent years. Everyone involved in the hospitality sector can avail of various opportunities. In particular, I mention the Wild Atlantic Way, the midlands region and Ireland's Ancient East, which offer ideal opportunities to the hospitality sector.