asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware (a) that a valuation of £7 each has been put on recently-erected council cottages in grouped sites in Kerry, irrespective of their floor area, and (b) that the valuation is based on their letting value even though, when purchased, the tenants are prohibited from letting them; and if, in view of the fact that they are built on compassionate grounds, he will take steps to have a more equitable valuation put on them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation of Kerry Cottages
I have to emphasise that the Minister for Finance has no function under the Valuation Acts in this matter. I have been informed by the Commissioner of Valuation, however, that a valuation of £7 has been fixed on certain recently-erected county council houses in Kerry. Valuation being based on letting value, which would be affected by various factors including location, it is not unusual for houses of different floor areas to attract the same valuation. A prohibition on actual letting does not affect the issue.
As regards the concluding portion of the Deputy's question, under the Valuation Acts the fixing of valuations is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Valuation who, I am informed, is not empowered in this connection to have regard to compassionate grounds.
If the occupiers of the houses concerned or the secretary of the county council consider that the valuations of all or any of them should be revised it is open to them or him to request revision in June next.