asked the Minister for Finance whether, having regard to the adverse effect on the building industry and on shopfitting specialists, in particular, caused by the increase of valuations in respect of improvement and modernisation of shops and shopfronts, he will introduce legislation to prevent valuation increases at least for a period in respect of shop improvement and modernisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assessment of Valuations.
112.
The administration of the valuation code is assigned under statute to the Commissioner of Valuation.
The matter of valuation increases arising out of shopfitting alternations was recently discussed between the Commissioner and representatives of the interests concerned. It will be appreciated that the revision of valuations by reference to the improvement or disimprovement of premises is inherent in the system of valuation laid down by the statutes.
Under the Local Government (Temporary Reduction of Valuation) Acts, 1954 to 1966, relief has already been provided in respect of valuation increases resulting from improvements and modernisation of shops and shopfronts. A two-thirds reduction of the valuation increase is allowed for the period of seven years following completion of works of this kind. This is a substantial concession, and, having regard to the need for limiting exemptions in order to avoid an inequitable distribution of the rates burden, I would not be prepared to introduce legislation to give any greater measure of exemption.
113.
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that Donegal County Council were unanimous in requesting the Government to review the law governing assessment for poor law valuation purposes; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
114.
asked the Minister for Finance if it is proposed to introduce legislation which will provide for a more equitable levying of rates in Dublin city and so bring relief to the overburdened occupiers of private dwellings who are in receipt of small pensions, low fixed incomes, low wages or small salaries.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
I would refer the Deputies to the statement made by the Minister for Local Government in reply to a question asked on 2nd March, 1966, about the financing of local rates. The Government are still open to consider informed criticism of the Interdepartmental Committee's Report on Valuation for Rating Purposes, which was published as a White Paper in October, 1965.
Having regard to the type of people referred to, would the Minister not do something to speed up this matter? There is an obvious need for this.
This is the most complicated matter in the country. As the Deputy knows, this interdepartmental committee has been sitting for some time. It issued a report which the Government published in October, 1965. Comment from the general public and interested parties on that report has been very meagre and very disappointing, but the committee is still sitting and still carrying out its examination and it would be premature, I think, to take any action at this stage without having a complete review of the whole situation.
How long more will it take or does the Minister intend to leave things as they are?
The only thing I can say about that is that the time taken will be commensurate with the difficulty of the problem.
That will not satisfy someone who has to go hungry in order to pay rates.
It is not a case of anyone going hungry.
Indeed it is because these people cannot afford to pay their rates and buy food out of the incomes they have.