Brian O'Shea
Question:287 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to replace commercial rates (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6192/99]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Funding.
I have no such proposals. However, as part of the new local government funding package which came into force on 1 January last, I capped rate in the pound increases in 1999 at 5 per cent. The decision to cap rates at this level is designed to meet the needs of local authorities while, at the same time, ensuring that the rate demand on the private sector is neither excessive nor disproportionate.