Michael Noonan says he's prepared to go to court to defend Ireland's Corporation Tax rate.

The Finance Minister has also signalled that if he's to scrap the re-valuation of the Local Property Tax it'll be announced in October's budget.

Currently householders pay the property tax based on valuations in 2013.

However, it's to be reviewed next year and Fianna Fáil says it's a timebomb for homeowners as property values rise.

Speaking at an Oireachtas Committee last night Michael Noonan revealed he's getting advice on possibly changing this re-evaluation which is currently set in law.

The Finance Minister's engaged former civil servant and expert Don Thornhill to look at this and other issues - and says if he is to make any changes he'll announce them in October's budget.

Minister Noonan also defended planned spending of over 800 thousand on consultants - including over our corporation tax rate - stating that he wants to be fully informed and fully equipped with the international focus on this tax and that he's even prepared to go to "court if necessary" to defend it.

He also said one of the reasons for a big increase in the maintenance budget for Government Buildings is the replacement of carpets because of health and safety concerns.

Last year just under €400,000 was spent on maintenance but the budget for this year is estimated to be €1.4 million.

Upgrading the phone system from analogue to digital as well as re-plastering works are some of the reasons for the increase.

However, Michael Noonan says carpet replacement is also required: