asked the Minister for Finance if he will state why the poor law valuation of a certain publican's premises in Main Street, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, has been increased from £6 to £12, in view of the fact that no repairs or additions were carried out to the premises and that the turnover of all publicans has decreased as the result of Budget taxation on beer and spirits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation of County Donegal Premises.
I am informed that the case referred to by the Deputy is sub judice, the occupier of the premises having appealed to the Commissioner of Valuation against the increased valuation. In the circumstances I am not in a position to make any further statement in the matter.
Could the Minister give any indication as to what is the guiding rule of the commissioners in increasing valuations?
It is laid down in the Act.
What is laid down in the Act?
I am not referring to the fixing of valuations but to increases in valuations.
The Commissioners of Valuation have power only to make increases in accordance with the law. I do not want to say anything about this case at the present time.
Speaking generally?
Can the Minister say if it is the letting value of premises that is taken as the yardstick by which valuations are determined?
This question has reference to a particular case.
This arises out of the question.
The Deputy is raising the general matter of valuation.
What I want to elicit is that the Minister does not know the first thing in regard to what he is talking about.