asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the extreme public dissatisfaction because of the fact that the responsibility for the initiation of the revaluation of property rests with the local rate collector; and, if so, whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the law suitably in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revaluation of Property.
I am not aware that there is extreme public dissatisfaction because the responsibility for initiation of revision of valuation of property rests with the local rate collector, and I am not prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the law in the matter.
Does the Minister agree that a system which obviously militates against the thrifty, to the advantage of the not so thrifty, is an undesirable one?
It would be very undesirable, but that is not the system.
Is the Minister aware that there appears to be a general drive to increase valuations on property?
It is all started by the rating authority, although Deputy Maguire denied that last week. He is not accepting that.
The responsibility for the initiation of the revaluation of property rests with the local rate collector.
The Deputy has put down a question suggesting that the initiation rests with the rate collector. He is now accepting what he denied last week.
I did not deny it.
Is the Minister aware that the county councils know nothing about this?
The rate collector starts it all and then the rating authority makes progress. The valuation office comes in only at that point.
Who directs the rate collectors to initiate revaluation?
There is an obligation by statute on them, but it is the rating authority which moves from that point.
Or the Minister for Finance?
Is it a fact that the county managers have sent out circulars to rate collectors in different areas telling them to look out for this matter particularly?
I do not know about that, but the rate collector has a statutory obligation beyond anything the rating authority may do.
Does the rate collector initiate devaluation?
I think he would, as well, in the odd case in which that occurs.