asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the present large scale increase in housing valuation which in some cases is excessive and is causing great concern to some ratepayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Valuations.
26.
As the Deputy is aware the fixing of valuations under the Valuation Acts is a matter solely for the Commissioner of Valuation and I have no function in this regard. The Valuation Acts make adequate provision for the owner or occupier of a property to appeal if he considers that his valuation is excessive.
In view of the fact that the criteria applied under the Valuation Acts are completely out of date, would the Minister consider revising these Acts so that when valuations come to be fixed the public will know how they are arrived at and that they will bear some realistic relationship to modern conditions?
The whole question of the operation of the Valuation Office and the question of the valuation of property in the State is under examination at present and the Minister for Local Government will be producing a White Paper in connection with it among other matters.