John O'Dowd
Upper Bann · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As I set out in response to the previous question, we have in place the vacant property rate relief scheme and the small business rate relief scheme, which are very successful. I set aside £10 million in the draft Budget for small business rate relief to be invested.”
“I am particularly keen to hear from those impacted by vacant commercial units and especially about how any phased increase can be implemented in a sustainable way that is fair, proportionate and sustainable within the tax system.”
“I outlined my intent to take that approach in my statement on 18 November, alongside the fact that reform of rating policy should support growth, make better use of property and ensure that the system is fair, proportionate and aligned with wider economic objectives.”
“The accelerator will operate alongside our highly successful Back in Business scheme, which has helped to bring over 100 vacant high street properties back into use since May 2024. Those issues have been the subject of considerable interest and comment in the Assembly, and it is right that we grasp the nettle now.”
“There are no circumstances in which a hard border would be good for the people of Ireland; it would not be good for anyone. Those who suggest that are being naive at best and dangerous at worst, in the sense of not understanding this society. <BR /> <BR />Rural communities along the border are one and the same.”
“This announcement represents the next step in that. That said, I also put on record my intention to strengthen support for small businesses. In that vein, £10 million has been set aside in the draft Budget to broaden the impact of the small business rate relief scheme in order to increase the number of businesses that can benefit from it.…”
The complete record
Every one of 6,140 lines we hold for John O'Dowd, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 123.
“They deliver public services, work in local businesses and deliver change in this society, which is good for the economy across the island of Ireland.”
“There are no circumstances in which a hard border would be good for the people of Ireland; it would not be good for anyone. Those who suggest that are being naive at best and dangerous at worst, in the sense of not understanding this society. <BR /> <BR />Rural communities along the border are one and the same. The people in them live a singular life, and that is the same in business, farming or any aspect of their lives. It is the same existence. PEACE PLUS has ensured that communities along the border that were left behind for many years have begun to see the investment that they deserve. <BR /> <BR />The misunderstanding or the use of mistruths around borders on this island needs to be challenged on every occasion. We also need to challenge racism where it exists and the myths about migrants.”
“I do not have a full assessment in front of me. I am happy for officials to share with you any assessments that are available, but there has been a particular emphasis on the border corridors, which have large rural communities, as you will be aware. The investment along those corridors has been significant and has made tangible changes in those communities. In tackling poverty and inequality, urban and rural settings have both different and common challenges. Thus far, the Peace programme has been flexible enough to identify those and ensure that it works in tandem with the needs of local communities. I will share whatever information we have with the Member.”
“The funding programme and the decisions made by the board have to meet the criteria set out by the Commission, agreed between the Irish and British Governments and, indeed, supported by the Executive. In some sense, decisions might have been out of kilter with the previous Programme for Government. We have to ensure that, in our engagements with the two Governments and the European Commission on any future programme, the decisions meet our priorities as much as possible and are tied in with them. That is part of an ongoing engagement and will have to take place over the time ahead.”
“It should certainly be part of any future Peace programme. While there are places and, indeed, a need for, perhaps, multimillion-pound projects, there are also needs in communities for smaller amounts of funding that make real and deliverable change within a time frame that many community groups can work to. Therefore, I would like to see a similar Change Maker programme in the next round of funding.”
“We want to ensure that we see programmes that deliver sustainable change across communities and are not one-off events funded for the time frame of the programme, where communities see long-lasting, real change to the outcomes of this generation and future generations in those communities. The Peace programme has been largely successful. It has not only brought huge amounts of money into communities but delivered significant change. However, we want to ensure that that change is sustainable, meets the needs of those communities and creates lasting change for future generations.”
“I raised that matter at the meeting, and I proposed that we write to the Audit Office about those matters to see whether there is a way that we can ensure that accounts are laid in a timely fashion, as they should be, in the time frames that we all expect. Minister Chambers and I will hopefully agree a letter in the near future to forward to the Audit Office about that matter.”
“The huge benefits that the PEACE PLUS programme has had over the past number of years has been identified across a wide range of rural communities. Again, it is also targeted at tackling social deprivation and making change across communities through a wide range of projects and meeting the demands and needs of local communities and wider society. Thus far, the programme has been positive. I look forward to continuing to work with the stakeholders in it and continuing to see positive change as a result.”
“I understand that there have been positive engagements between the British and Irish Governments, who are also working with the EU Commission on, hopefully, agreeing a future funding programme under Peace. At this stage, it is fair to say that all indications are positive, but nothing will be guaranteed until it is signed off. Obviously, the Executive will have to contribute to any future programme as well.”
“To conclude the meeting, the Council received an engaging presentation on the PEAT+ project, which is focused on restoring more than 12,000 hectares of peatlands across the programme area, with funding of approximately €19·2 million committed. The project will deliver environmental benefits and support rural jobs and skills. The Council agreed to hold its next special EU programmes meeting in late 2026.”
“The Council noted that the 2024 annual accounts are being reviewed by the Comptroller and Auditor General in both jurisdictions, and will be laid before the Assembly and Oireachtas as soon as possible following certification. The draft 2025 accounts will undergo the same process this year. <BR /> <BR />Looking ahead, Ministers received an update on the development of a future PEACE PLUS programme and welcomed the fact that engagement between stakeholders is under way. That ongoing collaboration is important in shaping a successful programme.”
“To date, 121 projects have been approved under the main programme and 65 projects have been approved under the Change Maker funding programme, which is the small grants initiative for investment in grassroots organisations. In total, approximately €1 billion has been committed across the PEACE PLUS programme, representing 94% of the commitment. Calls for funding are currently open under investment area 6.1, strategic planning and engagement, and investment area 2.3, programme area skills development, of the Change Maker funding programme. I encourage any eligible organisations to apply. <BR /> <BR />On matters of corporate governance, Ministers noted that the Special EU Programmes Body is nearing completion of its recruitment of a full complement of staff, as approved by NSMC in May 2024.”
“<BR /> <BR />Before the meeting started, the Council received an informative tour of Black Mountain Shared Space and saw first-hand the positive impact that £7 million of Peace IV funding has had on bringing communities together. The meeting commenced with an update from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) chief executive. Ministers noted the successful closure of the Peace IV and INTERREG Va programmes, with reports submitted to the European Commission in February 2026. The Council was encouraged to hear that the delivery of PEACE PLUS is progressing well, with all investment areas having opened for calls. However, the Council noted the challenging financial target to be met in 2026.”
“In compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement on the twenty-fifth meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in special EU programmes sectoral format, which was held at Black Mountain Shared Space on 10 June 2026. As Finance Minister, I represented the Executive and was accompanied by junior Minister Bunting. The Irish Government were represented by Minister Jack Chambers TD, who is responsible for the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The statement has been agreed with junior Minister Bunting, and I am making the statement on behalf of us both.”
“It will play an important role in that. One of the reasons why I am looking to move the non-domestic vacant rating policy from 50% to 75% to 100% is to encourage businesses that are not generating any income at the moment to be brought back into viability. Now, that will present challenges. It will depend on how the market is at the time. There is an argument to be made that, where we raise revenue through that measure, we should look at a grant scheme or support scheme for businesses — particularly those that require physical investment in their structure — to bring them back into usable shape, whether that be for business purposes or non-business purposes.”
“As I announced today, there is a requirement for us to go through a consultation process, engage on the responses to it and prepare a report, which then has to go to the Executive. The accelerator scheme will, I believe, require primary legislation. The vacant property measure will probably require regulations. All that would have to be followed through. With goodwill, we could have the vacant property measure pushed through before the end of the mandate. The other measure may require primary legislative change.”
“Through the accelerator scheme, a business can expand and not have a rates liability for x amount of time. A year has been suggested, but it may be longer than that. Doing that will allow a business to stabilise after its initial investment in construction works etc. Yes, we have supports in place. Can we do more? Let us look and see. I am open to proposals on all those matters, but they have to be fair and equitable, and we have to make decisions.”
“Rates are a tax. I understand that nobody likes paying tax. Perhaps a better way of putting it is that they certainly do not like paying unfair tax. What I am trying to do is to ensure that our rating system is fair and equitable. Around 30,000 businesses receive support from the small business rate relief scheme. That is a huge number. Under my proposals, and through the utilisation of the £10 million that has been set aside in the draft Budget, we could probably increase that number to 33,000. We provide around a quarter of a billion pounds in rate relief to small to medium-sized enterprises in particular and to other businesses. <BR /> <BR />There are measures afoot. I want to use the proposals that I have set out today to allow businesses to think about physical expansion.”
“Of course we will give due regard to the consultation responses, regardless of the sector or individual from which they come. We are open to ideas on how to improve our rating system and how we use it to raise revenue and increase our economic activity and business support. The two things go hand in hand.”
“If we use it in a fair and equitable way to raise revenue, we can develop schemes beyond what is currently available to businesses that are affected by extreme weather conditions, or whatever it may be, but we need the funds in order to do that.”
“Where businesses feel that their circumstances have changed to such a degree that their rates cannot be met, there are opportunities. For example, they can engage directly with their local evaluator. There is a process in place for doing that. <BR /> <BR />I have announced today a number of programmes to continue the small business rate relief scheme. It is about raising revenue for reinvestment in a fair and equitable way. We can therefore look at imaginative schemes. One of the barriers for the entire Executive at the moment is the lack of resources to be able to invest. First, we need a proper and fair funding settlement from the Government, and, secondly, we need to look at the measures that we have at hand, one of which is the rating system.”
“Your party colleagues on the Executive have had proposals before them for over a year without being able to substantively respond to them, so I am not sure whether, had I given you this statement a year ago, you would have been in a position to respond. <BR /> <BR />As for how the system will work, I look forward to seeing the consultation responses. We will listen carefully to those responses and learn from them in order to shape how the final proposals will look.”
“It has been very useful in encouraging new businesses in particular. Giving them that rate relief allows them to invest the moneys saved in their property and business. It does not help only those businesses, however. Reopening a vacant property brings footfall to that part of the street. Businesses either side of such properties have commented to me on my visits that they welcome businesses opening in those properties, because that means more people coming into the town or village. If they drop into such a business, they might drop into the business next door. It is all about increasing footfall on the high street and in our villages.”
“My officials have been engaging on how the Agriculture Minister's Bill impacts on the work that we are trying to do: there is common cause in that. We need legislative and fiscal intervention to bring, in many instances, our town centres and villages back to life. The proposals that I have put forward today complement what the Agriculture Minister is trying to do.”
“I have to be mindful of and await the outcome of an ongoing court case. There is engagement with the sector at official level, and I await a report from the sector on how it believes that rate reviews should proceed and what that would look like, which I look forward to seeing.”
“As I set out in response to the previous question, we have in place the vacant property rate relief scheme and the small business rate relief scheme, which are very successful. I set aside £10 million in the draft Budget for small business rate relief to be invested. Today's proposals could raise up to £20 million for councils and the Executive. We will see what happens as the consultation on increasing the tax liability for vacant properties goes on. Some in the sector argue that they cannot afford to bring such properties back into use. Could we use the money raised as a grant to those businesses to facilitate their bringing properties back into use through physical improvements etc? That is a worthy debate to have. However, to do any of those things, you have to make decisions. That is what politics is about: making decisions.”
“As I mentioned, we have a successful Back in Business scheme supporting businesses that are moving into properties that have been vacant for over 12 months. I visited a number of those, and the ingenuity of people in bringing businesses and life back into vacant properties is remarkable. We have a small business rate relief scheme, which provides a huge boost to businesses, giving them up to 50% rates relief. Therefore, a number of successful measures are in place, and I want to see them increasing. In recognition of the pressures, challenges and opportunities that exist for our businesses, there is a duty on us in this place to offer what support we can in a fair and equitable way.”
“If there is no further movement at the conclusion of this consultation process, I will take a decision on whether it is worth our time to move ahead with any of the rates reforms if there are those at the Executive table who are not prepared to take the necessary decisions.”
“On that point, Mr O'Toole, I share your frustration. There is an obligation on all parties in the Executive to be minded to enhance support for businesses, to look at how we can have a modern, fair and equitable rating system and to move beyond responding to or being behind the last lobby to walk through your office door. We need a better way of doing things. <BR /> <BR />I have set out in the statement measures that, I believe, will support small businesses, enhance business activity, sustain and grow employment and grow our economy. It is up to others whether they are prepared to back that.”
“The measures that I have set out reflect my ambition to enable business expansion, tackle vacant properties and help to revitalise towns and high streets while unlocking future growth in rates revenue for local and central government. My focus is clear: to support our public services, strengthen our local businesses, back workers and families and grow our economy for the benefit of everyone.”
“<BR /> <BR />Alongside those significant policy reviews, in line with my commitment to expedite the process, I have asked my officials to continue to work at pace to scope the remaining rate reliefs. That would allow for the implications, sequencing and resource requirements of any further review work to be assessed, including an assessment of the willingness of others to make decisions about reform and an equitable rating system before decisions are taken on how best to proceed. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I reiterate how important it is to me, as Minister of Finance, that our businesses are supported to thrive. I want to see additional support directed at those businesses, which provide vital employment, supporting workers, families and communities.”
“As I said, non-domestic vacant rating is due to be consulted on in the coming weeks alongside the business growth accelerator proposals. <BR /> <BR />I indicated to the Assembly in November that the review process would be expedited, with the target for completion the end of the 2027-28 rating year. Looking ahead, there is a clear case for examining the rating of empty homes, and that will be my next priority. Considering the rating of empty homes provides an opportunity to understand and assess two related issues that are often raised in the same context, namely, second homes and holiday homes. Importantly, given the link to the Executive's housing strategy, taking forward our own review during this financial year will permit better alignment with that important programme of work.”
“This announcement represents the next step in that. That said, I also put on record my intention to strengthen support for small businesses. In that vein, £10 million has been set aside in the draft Budget to broaden the impact of the small business rate relief scheme in order to increase the number of businesses that can benefit from it. I also remind Members that the review process has assessed four measures: the early payment discount; the maximum cap; small business rate relief; and the non-domestic vacant rating policy. Recommendations for Executive consideration, following full public consultation, have already been made in relation to the maximum cap, the early payment discount and small business rate relief, with the latter included as a costed intervention in my Budget proposals.”
“The accelerator will operate alongside our highly successful Back in Business scheme, which has helped to bring over 100 vacant high street properties back into use since May 2024. Those issues have been the subject of considerable interest and comment in the Assembly, and it is right that we grasp the nettle now. Consideration of those matters sits alongside other important strands of rating reform on which I will continue to update the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I turn now to the strategic review of rates supports. It might be helpful to remind Members of the progress to date. As set out in my statement to the Assembly in November, I intend to look across the existing support landscape and consider how it can better reflect and positively respond to present-day economic conditions and policy priorities.”
“I am particularly keen to hear from those impacted by vacant commercial units and especially about how any phased increase can be implemented in a sustainable way that is fair, proportionate and sustainable within the tax system. <BR /> <BR />The proposals on the business growth accelerator and changes to non-domestic vacant rating are, in my view, an important step forward, especially as they underpin my previously stated commitments, removing disincentives to expansion by ensuring that businesses that invest in their physical footprint are not unfairly penalised by immediate increases in rates and unlocking future tax-base growth. By supporting businesses to grow today, we are expanding the economy, which, in turn, will secure long-term, sustainable revenue for our public services. They will also complement existing support.”
“I outlined my intent to take that approach in my statement on 18 November, alongside the fact that reform of rating policy should support growth, make better use of property and ensure that the system is fair, proportionate and aligned with wider economic objectives. The current 50% rate, which is lower than that which applies in other jurisdictions, is perceived as reducing incentives to bring properties back into use. <BR /> <BR />The proposed change aims to encourage occupation; reduce long-term vacancy; align more closely with other jurisdictions; and increase revenue up to an estimated £20 million annually. The case for change is grounded in the need to strike the right balance between encouraging productive occupation, tackling long-term vacancy and avoiding unintended consequences for businesses and property owners.”
“That will help to create better conditions for construction activity, business expansion and wider economic regeneration. <BR /> <BR />Alongside the business growth accelerator, I want to examine how non-domestic vacant rating operates and how increases in liability levels can be best implemented. At present, vacant properties are liable for up to 50% of occupied rates. The consultation proposes increasing that liability on a staged basis to 75% and then 100% to encourage the use of vacant space. We will seek views on introducing a phased approach to increases in vacant rating liability rather than a single-step change.”
“I want the rating system to support rather than constrain development, improvement and investment. The proposal to introduce a business growth accelerator would see temporary targeted relief offered to businesses that are taking tangible steps to expand their operations. That support is designed to reduce the upfront financial pressure on businesses investing in their property; allow businesses to recoup investment costs; and encourage development that might otherwise not proceed. The business growth accelerator would give businesses a specified grace period after making improvements. During that time, they would continue to pay rates based on the property's value before the improvements, delaying an immediate increase.”
“I wish to make a statement to the Assembly setting out the next steps in my ambition to reform rating policy and bring about a more progressive, transparent and fair taxation system. I have been consistent in my support for local businesses and have publicly recognised their contribution to the local economy. Equally, I have listened to the concerns raised around sustainability, growth and how challenging the operating environment has become. That is why I am announcing a public consultation on two significant proposals designed to support business growth while addressing longer-term issues in the rating system: first, the introduction of a business growth accelerator and, secondly, changes to non-domestic vacant rating.”
“In my opinion, engaging with those parents and advocacy groups on the scheme, the design of the scheme, the certificate and what would be on the certificate has been vital to the success of the scheme. At the end of the day, we were delivering it on their behalf, with full support for the scheme from across the House.”
“Well, at least one court case is ongoing, and I am conscious of that when I comment. However, I believe that infrastructure work can continue in conjunction with the Climate Change Act 2022. Let us await the outcome of the current judicial review and assess the situation after that.”
“It is down to each Department to report those costs. I do not have those figures in front of me. I suspect that it would require information to come from each Department. Measured against those, however, I suspect that we would also have to look at the cost of doing nothing. Whatever your views on why climate is changing, climate is most certainly changing, and you see the consequences of that across Europe at the moment.”
“GRO has been expecting a significant initial demand for the service and has been preparing for it. I suspect that, as days go on, that demand will increase. We will continue to monitor the situation. Where necessary, we will bring in staff to ensure that demand is met.”
“At yesterday evening's launch, we had a number of charitable organisations with us that have been to the forefront of the project and have been crucial in ensuring that we engaged not only with them but with many parents on the make-up and delivery of the scheme. That engagement will continue with them because they have proven to be invaluable partners in the project.”
“I have asked my colleagues in the General Register Office to keep me updated on its progress. Given the scale of the numbers that will apply to the scheme, I suspect that there may be a number of glitches. In fairness to the GRO team, it put the system up very quickly, with support from across the Civil Service and elsewhere to get it up and going. As I say, there have been 1,800 applications thus far, and I have asked for updates. I suspect that we will run into challenges because, as it becomes more known, more people will apply. There is a determination within the team to make this work. Thus far, that has proven to be the case. I have no doubt that, if we run into glitches, that determination will resolve matters quickly.”
“Yes, I will follow that up with the Member. By way of an update, in the past 24 hours, there have been 1,800 applications. That demonstrates how many parents out there want to access the scheme and enter the process. I will certainly follow that up and see why that was the case with Antrim Area Hospital.”
“Well, I find it disgraceful. People try to find angles and do everything that they can think of to target and point at that community. They are our workers, they are civil servants, and they carry out duties on behalf of everyone every day. I commend them for that. My answer remains the same: HR is law, and anybody who has had to deal with HR issues will know that HR is law.”
“First, I send my solidarity to the LGBTQ+ community, which is regularly victimised, targeted and abused in the Chamber. I find that disgraceful.”
“That is a HR matter for the Civil Service, and I do not intervene in HR matters. Any advice that will be shared with civil servants will come from my permanent secretary in consultation with other permanent secretaries and the head of the Civil Service.”
“I note the recent announcement about summer activities and some of the measures that were taken in relation to the cost-of-living crisis that people are feeling. I think that the Government should have gone much further. They had the ability to go much further, and, if they had done that, perhaps they would not be in the state that they are currently in. I will continue to press the British Government on the matter. It is only right and proper that our businesses here can operate in a way that allows them to compete with businesses that are basically only across the hedge from them, so I will continue to raise it.”