asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the difficulties experienced in the collection of rates by many urban authorities in consequence of confusion between landlord and tenant as to liability for rates, and whether he would consider the advisability of bringing in legislation forthwith to deal with this problem.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - LIABILITY FOR URBAN RATE.
This matter has been under consideration. I am prepared to deal with it and other rating questions in any future appropriate legislation.
Would the Minister say if the matter is under consideration and if it will be dealt with quickly? Is he aware that local authorities are experiencing great difficulty at the moment and that it would be acceptable both to landlord and tenant, so far as my information goes, if the landlord had to pay the rates, in the first instance, and collect them from the tenant by way of rent?
I am aware of that fact. I had intended dealing with the matter under the Local Government Bill, but the drafting of the section would require considerable thought and time, and, as the Bill took a very long time to get through, I thought it advisable not to put such a section in during the course of its progress. The next opportunity I get I will bring forward a Bill which I hope will give satisfaction to the Deputy in that connection.
Will the Minister endeavour to have such a measure brought in before the rates are struck next year? If he could see his way to do that it would meet the case.
I cannot give any definite undertaking, but I will aim at that.