andMr. J.J. Collins asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the Commissioners of Valuation are at present engaged in a piecemeal revaluation of buildings in towns and villages throughout the whole country with particular reference to Counties Kerry and Limerick, and that, as a result, valuations on some buildings have recently been increased by as much as 600 per cent., and if he will state whether instructions have been issued by his Department to city and county managers to take steps to have this method of revaluation carried out.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revaluation of Property.
The Valuation Office, in accordance with its statutory duty under the Valuation (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1854, revises the valuations of properties listed for revision by rating authorities each year; the Valuation Office itself has no power of initiative in the matter. The position in regard to County Kerry and County Limerick is not exceptional. I am aware that some valuations in respect of buildings have been increased on revision to the extent stated in the question, but the revising valuer was satisfied that the present annual letting value justified the higher valuation. It may be taken for granted that in all such cases the old valuation, when fixed, related to buildings different from those to which the revised valuation applies. It is open to an aggrieved owner or occupier to appeal against a revised valuation to the Commissioner of Valuation and, if dissatisfied with his decision, to the Circuit Court.
The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.
If the Minister says that no instructions have been issued by his Department, will he say whether these instructions have been issued by any other Department of the Government?
So far as I know, none. That is an old legend that is fast crystallising into what amounts to a truth. It is all wrong.
Is the Minister aware that great hardship is being imposed on certain people down the country?
What is the good of the Deputy asking me things over which I have no control?
The Minister says he has no function.
I said I have issued no instruction. The initiative is not taken by the Valuation Office. The Deputy ought to address his question to the local authorities.