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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Mar 1933

Vol. 46 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Staying Operation of Valuation Acts.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that business owners of property are reluctant owing to the operation of the Valuation Acts to make improvements in their business premises with the consequent considerable increase in valuations and taxation and whether in view of the fact that the carrying out of such improvements would result in increased employment all over the country he will introduce proposals for legislation whereby the operation of the Valuation Acts would be stayed for a period of five years subject to the expenditure of a specified sum of money.

I would refer the Deputy to Section 12 of the Local Government Act, 1927, as extended by the Local Government (Amendment) Act, 1930, the broad effect of which is that business premises erected, enlarged or improved during the period from 3rd March, 1927, to 1st October, 1933, are rated in respect of such erection, enlargement or improvement for five years at only one-third of the valuation. I would be surprised to learn that this very substantial concession has failed to serve its intended object, which was to overcome the reluctance to which the Deputy refers, and I am not prepared to introduce proposals for legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.

Might I ask the Minister if he is aware that very many people who are desirous of improving their premises, both business and private premises, are afraid to undertake any improvements which would thereby give a certain amount of employment because they find when they do carry out those improvements their valuation is increased out of all proportion to the amount of the improvements that are done?

I am not aware of the fear referred to by the Deputy and I do not believe it exists.

Might I ask the Minister whether he is prepared to consult some of the members of his own Party on that matter?

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