I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to bring this Topical Issue to the House. I thank the Minister of State for the changes made to the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, which exempt community child care facilities from paying commercial rates to local authorities, a major advantage to these very valuable child care facilities that provide great services to local communities. Many members of the House, including me, have lobbied on this issue for some years.
The Valuation Office is currently implementing the new provisions contained in the Act. From now on they will be of great benefit to voluntary community child care groups. However, they do not come into place until 2015 for 2016 rates. The Minister of State will appreciate the large amount of voluntary work that went into setting up and running these facilities. The expenses incurred have put significant financial pressure on these groups, yet despite this local authorities are still pursuing the collection of rates arrears.
The changes made in the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 imply that these facilities should not have been rated in the first instance.
Considering the major contribution made by the voluntary sector to child care, and in light of the recent budget and the new emphasis on expanding the service, we should consider issuing guidelines to all local authorities which would immediately allow them to write off outstanding rates. I understand this would have to come from the Department, and clarification on this matter would be of major assistance to these groups. It would allow them to get their finances in order and help them improve and expand their services.
Many of these facilities employ local women, who might work part-time, and they give back a significant amount to their communities. They also help women get back to work through providing affordable child care. The cost of these child care facilities is probably a little less than the cost of other child care facilities. They provide an all-in-one service as they are usually open very early in the morning and also provide after-school care for children. This is a great facility for parents who work, many of whom travel long distances and are not home until 7 p.m. It is a significant onus on them.
These are not-for-profit organisations which are barely keeping going. Some of them are looking at expanding in light of the budget announcement last week and will do so over the coming years. Many of them throughout the country are in arrears with rates and while they are trying their best to pay them, it would be a great relief and a major burden off their shoulders if we could address this issue and give clarification on it to the local authorities. I am sure they would be happy to do it, but it is outside their remit in some regards because all they do is collect the rates. Will the Minister consider giving clarification to the local authorities that it would be acceptable for them to allow these facilities not to pay their arrears in light of the new valuation legislation?