Vol. 480 No. 7
94 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce an exemption of rates for fish farming in Ireland in the forthcoming budget in view of the fact that they are the only primary food producing sector subject to local authority rates. [15192/97]
The valuation of all property for rating purposes is entrusted to the Commissioner of Valuation by the Valuation Acts, 1852-1988. The Valuation Office is a statutory independent office operating under the aegis of the Minister for Finance. Local authorities must levy rates on all properties in accordance with the details entered into the valuation lists as prepared by the Commissioner. I have no proposals to introduce rates remission or exemptions over and above those which already exist.
