We need to reduce rates valuations on businesses because they are leading to job losses in every county. Rates are increasing rather than decreasing and this is killing shops and businesses. The commercial rates Bill would give councillors the power to reduce bills for businesses. This will enable thousands of businesses to benefit from significantly reduced bills. The Bill would also create a level playing field whereby community rates, water rates, small and medium-sized enterprises and large multinational companies can be supported. It would ensure that taxpayers are no longer required to pay their annual bills in two instalments. The Bill would for the first time give local authorities the power to slash fixed rates for businesses. Our town centres are being decimated. Every day, someone comes into my constituency office to complain about rates. When can we expect the Bill to come before the House? I hope this is a priority for the Taoiseach.

I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for raising this important issue. I agree that local authorities require greater flexibility in how they apply commercial rates. Perhaps a rates break could be given to new businesses. Distinctions could be made between different types of businesses on our main streets. Many such provisions are provided for in the commercial rates Bill, the heads of which were approved by the Cabinet in April. The Bill is currently being drafted.