Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 4

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Billy Timmins

Question:

128 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he has established a study or review group with a view to receiving submissions or advising on the proposed valuations Bill; and, if so, if he will supply a list of members and a contact address. [26382/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The position regarding the valuation legislation 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 has 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.

In preparation for the introduction of this new legislation an interdepartmental committee comprising representatives of the then Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Department of Finance, as well as the valuation office was established. This committee reviewed the valuation system in detail and reported to the then Minister for Finance in 1995. The report of the interdepartmental committee provided the basis for the proposed valuation legislation.

With Government approval, a series of public information seminars were held earlier this year in Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Sligo, Dublin and Galway. The Minister of State, with responsibility for carriage of the legislation, Deputy Cullen, and the valuation office made presentations on the purpose and broad outlines of the legislation. The presentations were followed by question and answer sessions. The seminars were advertised locally and organisations such as IBEC, the cham bers of commerce and local government representatives were notified in advance.

In addition, as is normal, the Minister of State has been available to meet groups that wish to discuss the proposed legislation. He has also replied to a number of submissions made by interested parties.

There will be further opportunity for the proposed legislation to be fully debated and discussed when the Bill is published. The current situation is that the Bill is in the final stages of drafting and it is intended to publish it as soon as possible in the new year.