asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the very high valuations being put by the valuers on new and reconstructed buildings is a grave hardship on the people concerned and a deterrent to progress; and if he will consider setting up a commission to have the matter investigated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuations of New and Reconstructed Buildings.
14.
Mr. Browne
I would remind the Deputy that valuations are statutorily the responsibility of the Commissioner of Valuation. A ratepayer dissatisfied with a valuation as revised by the Valuation Office valuer can appeal against it to the Commissioner of Valuation and subsequently to the Circuit Court.
I have no reason to accept the suggestion implicit in the Deputy's question, that the valuations being put by the valuers on new and reconstructed buildings are very high, and that they constitute a grave hardship on the people concerned and a deterrent to progress. The need for investigation of such valuations by a commission or otherwise does not therefore arise.
I wonder would the Minister consider suggesting to the Commissioner of Valuation, or the appropriate authority, that where revised valuations are made operating to increase valuations, there should be attached to the notification of increase a circular such as that which accompanies many Department of Health notifications, that persons feeling aggrieved have a right to appeal to the Commissioner or to the Circuit Court, because a great many ordinary people down the country do not realise that that procedure is available to anyone who feels this kind of grievance?
I should like to inquire into that.
Good county councils like Kildare County Council do that, but others do not.