Vol. 510 No. 4
44 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Airgeadais cén teagmháil atá déanta ag an Rialtas le húinéirí tithe lóistín atá buartha faoi mholtaí an Rialtais rátaí níos airde a ghearradh ar tháillí lóistín, go mór mór dóibh siúd atá ag brath ar shéasúr an-ghairid agus ag cur san áireamh go bhfuil ganntanas lóistín ina lán áiteanna taobh amuigh de na bailte móra. [18675/99]
I believe the Deputy is referring to speculation in the media regarding the imposition of rates on bed and breakfast establishments under the new Valuation Bill.
A number of individuals and organisations have expressed their concern about reports that bed and breakfasts could be rated, and this has been carefully noted.
The position is that it is proposed to radically overhaul the valuation system which has been in place since the middle of the last century. The Government have given approval for the preparation of legislation which will: modernise the valuation code; enable a revaluation of all rateable property to be carried out; and make the system more transparent to ratepayers and rating authorities.
It is intended to make the legislation as user-friendly as possible. There will be an improved appeals system. The parliamentary draftsman is currently preparing a draft which will be brought before Government when the work is completed. A series of information seminars on the valuation aspects of the proposed legislation has been held, and of course there will be an opportunity for full debate and discussion when the Bill is published.
The Government has not taken a decision on the question of rating bed and breakfast accommodation.
