asked the Minister for Finance whether it is the practice of the Valuation Commissioners to increase the valuation of a house which has central heating installed; if so, if he will indicate why, and under what authority; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent such increases being made, having regard to the fact that they discourage modernisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation Increases.
7.
Mr. Ryan
It is the duty of the Commissioner of Valuation to ensure that the valuation in regard to buildings is made on an estimate of their net annual value, as stipulated in Section 11, Valuation (Ireland) Act, 1852. I am informed by the Commissioner that he would regard the installation of central heating as a factor enhancing the value of a building, so that the valuation made would normally be higher by reason of the central heating.
I do not propose to introduce legislation as suggested by the Deputy, nor do I accept that such valuation increases discourage modernisation any more than increases arising from other improvements which must be taken account of in a system of taxation on property values.
Question Nos. 8 and 9 postponed.