asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among landowners who have sold or given lands to the Department of Lands because they feel that the Valuation Office do not treat them fairly when revising valuations; and whether he is prepared to have the matter investigated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Landowners' Grievances: Revision of Valuations.
2.
I am not aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction, as suggested in the Deputy's question. Under the Valuation Acts, persons whose valuations have been revised by the Valuation Office have, if dissatisfied, the right of appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance, and subsequently to the Courts. I have no function in regard to the revision of valuations and I do not consider any investigation necessary.
Could the Minister say if it is the practice of the Valuation Commissioners to follow the 1850 valuation of lands in cases where the Land Commission have divided farms?
I understand, though I should not like to be positive about this, that they must follow the established practice in relation to land. Where, however, buildings are concerned, the present consideration of net income is taken into consideration.