Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 9 Nov 1928

Vol. 26 No. 15

IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. - VOTE 23—VALUATION AND BOUNDARY SURVEY.

MINISTER for FINANCE (Mr. Blythe)

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £11,372 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31 lá de Mhárta, 1929, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí na Luachála Generálta agus na Suirbhéireachta Teorann fé sna hAchtanna 15 agus 16 Vict., c. 63; 17 Vict., c. 8; 17 Vict., c. 17; 20 agus 21 Vict., c. 45; 22 agus 23 Vict., c. 8; 23 Vict., c. 4; 27 agus 28 Vict., c. 52; 37 agus 38 Vict., c. 70; 61 agus 62 Vict., c. 37; Uimh. 19 de 1923 agus fén Ordú Rialtais Aitiúla (Achtacháin d'Oiriúnú agus do chur i mBaint), 1925; maraon le Luacháil Diúité Estáit fén Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910.

That a sum not exceeding £11,372 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1929, for the Salaries and Expenses of the General Valuation and Boundary Survey under the Acts 15 and 16 Vict., c. 63; 17 Vict., c. 8; 17 Vict., c. 17; 20 and 21 Vict., c. 45; 22 and 23 Vict., c. 8; 23 Vict., c. 4; 27 and 28 Vict., c. 52; 37 and 38 Vict., c. 70; 61 and 62 Vict., c. 37; No. 19 of 1923 and the Local Government (Application and Adaptation of Enactments) Order, 1925; including Estate Duty Valuation under the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910.

There has been little variation in the Estimate this year compared with last year. The reduction is due partly to a fall in the bonus and partly to savings arising out of some retirements not offset by incremental increases.

Mr. MacENTEE

We do not intend to oppose this Vote, but, in connection with it, I wonder has the Minister considered whether the time is not ripe for a general re-valuation of the whole country. The valuation on which most of the assessments are based to-day was made, I think, almost one hundred years ago and, in view of the fact that great changes have taken place in the value of agricultural land since that time, would it not be advisable to give some serious consideration to whether it would be practicable or not to have a general re-valuation of the whole country?

Mr. BLYTHE

That is a matter to which some slight consideration has been given. It, of course, was not practicable until a year or two ago. It is a matter on which no decision of any sort has been come to. The job would be a very big one, would last over several years, and would take a big sum of money. The estimate that was given me was something like half a million pounds or more. It will be necessary ultimately to do it, but, in view of the big cost that would be involved, we do not feel disposed to propose it for the present.

Mr. MacENTEE

I admit the job would be a costly one, but, as the Minister pointed out, it would extend over a considerable number of years. I understand, on the completion of the Shannon Works, that quite a number of engineers, qualified to undertake this job, will be out of positions, and as I do not see at present any great civil engineering works likely to keep them at home, it might be desirable that the Minister would keep that in mind. These men have secured a considerable amount of training at the expense of the people here, and it would be a pity if other countries would get the benefit of that.

Mr. BLYTHE

I will keep it in mind.

Vote put and agreed to.