asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that, in cases where persons qualify for reconstruction grants to provide bathroom accommodation or to improve existing bathroom accommodation, their valuation is subsequently raised so that over the years they will pay back much more in increased rates than they received in reconstruction grants; and if he will take steps to ensure that the provision of necessary amenities such as bathrooms will not cause valuation increases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation Increases.
8.
Under the Valuation Acts, valuations on premises may be increased or decreased so as to reflect changes in the annual values of the premises concerned.
The payment by a Government Department of a grant for the erection of a new house or the improvement of an existing house cannot be accepted as a ground for exemption from the payment of rates to a local authority. Exemption from valuation increase is allowed in such cases over a certain period after the completion of building work and I cannot agree that any further exemption from valuation increase would be justified.