asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state on what grounds have fisheries in Tirconaill with a total valuation of £2,400 and estimated to produce an approximate general rate for 1926-7 of £1,460, been exempted from payment of rates for a period of ten years from 1st April, 1926.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - RATE EXEMPTION OF TIRCONAILL FISHERIES.
This question might more appropriately have been addressed to the Minister for Fisheries. I would refer the Deputy to Section 13 of the Fisheries Act, 1925. There is, in effect, no exemption from payment of rates, but a transfer of the produce of the rate from the local authority to the Fishery Boards.
Can the Minister state if similar fisheries in other counties have been exempted from the payment of rates?
Yes, in several other counties.
Is the Minister aware that several of the owners or lessors of these fisheries are resident in Northern Ireland, where the proceeds of the fisheries will be spent?
I was not aware of that fact.
Will the Minister make inquiries?
I do not think it would make any difference.
It should certainly make a lot of difference to the ratepayers of the County Donegal when the fisheries are allowed to be exempt from the payment of rates and the products of these fisheries are spent in Northern Ireland.