asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the fact that the poor law valuation of new premises or the revision of valuation of premises is based on their letting value, he will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that, taking into account the differential in rates payable in each county, all outgoings, including rates, will be taken into consideration by the Commissioner of Valuation so that valuation will be assessed only on the net income of premises.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation of Premises.
30.
I have no function in relation to the making of valuations; such work is the concern of the Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts.
I would, however, refer the Deputy to section 11 of the Valuation (Ireland) Act, 1852, which provides that the valuation in regard to houses and buildings shall be made upon an estimate of the net annual value thereof; that is to say, the rent for which, one year with another, the same might in its actual state be reasonably expected to let from year to year, the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance, and other expenses (if any) necessary to maintain the hereditament in its actual state, and all rates, taxes, and public charges, if any, (except tithe rentcharge) being paid by the tenant.
While I appreciate the Minister's position, I should like to ask if he will bring to the notice of the Commissioners of Valuation the differential in rates between the various counties in fixing the net rental of hereditaments? For instance, in Meath, on the valuation of £20, the rate is £10 6 8, whereas in Donegal, on the valuation of £20, the rate is £19 6 0. Would the Minister recommend to the Commissioners of Valuation that they should take the rates into account in assessing the annual net value and not to adopt the standard letting value as applied by local authorities? By doing so, he would ease the hardship which is being imposed upon ratepayers, particularly in counties where the rates are high.
The Deputy is making a speech.
It is obvious from the reply that the net income varies and that the outgoings and rates should be taken into account—the rates on the property concerned.
I wish the Commissioners would remember that.