I move:
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £87,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1973, for rates and contributions in lieu of rates, etc., in respect of Government property, and for contributions towards rates on premises occupied by Representatives of External Governments.
The original Estimate did not include provision to cover payment of contribution in lieu of rates on State occupied properties at Dublin Airport. In previous years, these properties had been shown in the Valuation List as occupied by Aer Rianta Teoranta which paid rates in respect of them. Senior counsel has now advised that these properties are State occupied and as a result as from 1972 are deemed exempt from rates assessment. This brings Dublin Airport into line with those at Shannon and Cork and an extra provision of £55,000 by way of payment in lieu of rates is needed.
In addition, the original Estimate was based on an expected increase of 12½ per cent in rate poundages in county council areas and urban districts, whereas in the event the average increase in these poundages was approximately 15 per cent. The county borough areas remained at 12½ per cent. The total extra required is £32,000 approximately, making the total £87,000.