The Taoiseach knows that valuation orders were signed for the ratings authorities of Cavan, Fingal, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow county councils this month. Ratepayers are looking for equity and we have the Commercial Rates Bill which has not even gone to pre-legislative scrutiny. Ratepayers in this country are chomping at the bit looking for equity, modernisation and a proper rates system. When will we have a timeline for when this issue will be resolved?

The Deputy's question on the matter of promised legislation relates to a Bill to merge a number of agencies currently under my Department, one of which is the Valuation Office. I would expect that the drafting is at an advanced stage and hope to be in a position to have publication, having been approved by Government, by the end of the year. I would be happy to keep the Deputy informed.