I wish to raise the need to consolidate and modernise the range of legislation concerning commercial rates levelled by local authorities and the need to empower our local authorities to have some flexibility in how rates are applied. As the Ceann Comhairle is all too aware, County Kildare is going through a rates review for its businesses at present. While 55% of the rates collected by Kildare County Council are contributed by just 2% of the companies, Kildare County Council and its members have no ability to vary the rate or give preferential rates to smaller more indigenous traders. In that regard, I ask about the status of the commercial rates Bill.

The heads of the commercial rates Bill were agreed by the Government a couple of months ago and the Bill is now being drafted as a priority with a view to publication later this year.