asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the fact that the provisions in regard to rates remission on new houses expired on 1st October last and a considerable volume of work has been held up, he will state whether he intends to continue these provisions; and, if so, when proposals for legislation will be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Houses—Rates Remission.
It is proposed to extend the remission of rates on new dwellings completed before October, 1941. I hope to introduce a Bill to implement this at an early date.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I may say that I am very pleased to hear what he has said, but does he realise that all transactions in houses are held up pending the introduction of this measure? I suppose there are some hundreds of houses stopped, and the employment that would be given on their construction is stopped also, and in the circumstances I am sure the Minister realises the urgency of making an official pronouncement so that people may know where they stand.
I do not quite see the point of the Deputy's statement that the buildings were held up. They need not be held up. People were told before, and they will be told again, that it is intended to have the remission of rates provision, contained in the Local Government Act, extended.
The Minister says that the building need not be held up, but the position up to to-day has been that no purchaser would buy a house without knowing where he stood as regards the remission of rates and no builder would commence a house without some idea of the position.
Will the Minister consider issuing a statement from the Department intimating that houses now in course of erection will be covered by the remission of rates, pending the passing of the necessary legislation? I think that what Deputy Dockrell says is quite true. Builders are uncertain as to whether a remission will apply to houses now being erected and purchasers are reluctant to enter into arrangements for the purchase of houses.
It is my intention to have the remission of rates applied to all houses at present in course of erection.
That is more satisfactory.