Commercial rates Bill delay
Deputies Breathnach and Troy complain that the promised commercial rates Bill has still not been produced, leaving small retailers under pressure. The Tánaiste says the Government hopes to approve the Bill's heads within the next three weeks.
I refer to the commercial rates Bill. Today, 12 July, is a significant day as it marks the Battle of the Boyne in my constituency. Next month, 12 to 19 August should also be remembered as we will celebrate the Fleadh Cheoil. The Ceann Comhairle might wonder why I raise this under the commercial rates Bill. However, retailers, whether in Drogheda, where the Fleadh Cheoil will be held, or Dundalk or anywhere across this country are baying for this Bill, as I told the Tánaiste when I raised this with him last in December. We have been continually promised a commercial rates Bill. My colleague, Deputy Barry Cowen, introduced the Valuation Amendment Bill 2017 but nothing is happening on that.
Once again I ask, when will the ratepayers, including the retailers of Drogheda who hope to get a bonanza from the Fleadh Cheoil, get clear indication of when this will happen?
Comment on this
I wish to add my voice to the request. This is an issue I have raised repeatedly. We have received repeated assurances from the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and many Government Ministers that the rate revaluation Bill would be brought before the House in the term that is ending today. It has not happened. The Government is failing small retailers in particular for whom commercial rates is one of their largest overheads. When can we expect the commercial rates valuation Bill to come before the House?