asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will advise the Commissioner for County Dublin to make such arrangements with farmers for the payment of arrears of rates as will enable the latter to work their farms to the best economic and productive advantage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arrears of Rates.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware the collection of rates is a matter entirely for the local authority and except to see that it collects them with due care and diligence, it is not open to me to interfere with it in any way in the discharge of this statutory function. I may say that I see no reason why special treatment should be given to persons who have defaulted in the payment of their rates and thus have already placed an additional burden on their neighbours who met their obligations.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, in my question I did not ask the Minister to interfere. I asked the Minister to advise, so that no first-class farmer in County Dublin would be left out of production during the present emergency. Is he satisfied that the commissioner has considered that, and is doing his best in the matter?
I do not propose to influence the commissioner in regard to a matter which is statutorily his function.
I had a communication from the commissioner which, so far, is satisfactory.