The Minister for Finance just left a moment ago. Would the Government consider a deferral of the rates re-evaluation that is currently under way in Clare, Donegal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Galway, Kerry and Mayo? These areas are currently facing their first commercial rates re-evaluation in 160 years, the last one having taken place in 1862. They have been well supported by the Government during Covid and well supported in the recent budget but this is a cliff edge for many businesses. I have received emails from many of them. They are facing rates hikes of 33% and more. There are looking for the Government to step in and do something. This could cancel out all the benefits that just accrued to them in the recent budget. They need a deferral. It happened during Covid and it can happen again. There are legislative processes to be followed here but a statutory instrument could defer this. It would be sensible and prudent given that small businesses, coffee shops and retail outlets are facing an existential crisis.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. It is an important issue. I cannot say anything here but I will talk to the Minister for Finance about it and examine the proposal the Deputy has made in respect of a deferral. We are going through very difficult time with the energy crisis, and business and industry is as well. It has been deferred already but I will examine it. I will talk to my Cabinet colleagues, and particularly the Minister for Finance, about the point the Deputy has made.