asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that rate collectors in County Cork have been requested by the Cork County Council to enter with two sureties into a bond of £100 for the closing of their collection within the next few months, and, in addition, into an agreement giving the Cork County Council power of attorney to obtain judgment against the sureties of such collectors in default of the closing of their collection within the stated period; whether he is aware that many collectors in Cork hold numerous decrees for rates which they are unable to execute, and what consideration he is prepared to give to collectors who have been always willing to perform their duties?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. CORK RATE COLLECTORS.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
The Bonds in question are those ordinarily prescribed to ensure the proper discharge of their duties by Rate Collectors. They had been allowed to lapse during recent years owing to the unwillingness of Guarantee Societies to enter into such contracts, but there is now no reason why such Bonds should not be reintroduced in Cork County as in other Counties.
Every consideration will be shown to Collectors who have honestly done all in their power to close their collections, but who may have been unable to do so, so far, for causes beyond their control.
Mr. MURPHY
Is the Minister aware that many of the Collectors in the County Cork have not got their books back from the County Council, and are thereby unable to proceed with their collection?
I am not aware of that.