We have 15 minutes for questions on promised legislation and I will cut off the discussion after 15 minutes. I ask Deputies to confine their remarks to promised legislation.

I ask the Minister for an update on the commercial rates Bill. I understand the heads are still being prepared. Rates are putting businesses under pressure and local authorities are finding themselves at a loss because they do not have the authority to do a great deal about the issue. In rural counties such as my home county of Mayo the commercial rates being charged have resulted in the closure of many businesses which have been unable to keep up with their bills. While I appreciate there are many demands on the Government, it must show a sense of urgency in bringing the Bill through the House in order that local authorities can do the job they need to do to alleviate pressure on local businesses.

Before I ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, to respond to Deputy Lisa Chambers, I express, on behalf of the Government, our total condemnation of the poison gas attacks in Idlib province in Syria yesterday. Such weapons have no place in the 21st century. They are indiscriminate, as is evident from the hundreds of people who have been killed or injured. We extend our condolences to the people affected. Those responsible for these war crimes should be held to account in the International Criminal Court. I ask the Minister to respond to Deputy Chambers.

He must be brief.

We will bring the legislation to which Deputy Lisa Chambers referred to Government in the next two or three weeks, certainly before the end of the month.

I thank the Minister for his brevity.