asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the desirability of granting facilities to large numbers of ratepayers to pay their rates in monthly instalments; and if he will recommend that course to the Dublin City Manager; and if the City Manager has not power to grant such facilities, whether he will introduce the necessary amending legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Rates.
The collection of rates in Dublin City is a matter for the corporation. There are certain discretionary powers for the acceptance of interim payments. Any general resort to the payment of rates in instalments other than half-yearly would involve the local authority in much additional expense. It is not open to me to interfere with the discretion of the corporation.
Mr. Byrne
When the Minister speaks of the corporation, does he mean the City Manager and the municipal representatives, or does he mean the City Manager and the municipal representatives separately?
I mean the corporation.
Mr. Byrne
Which is the Corporation?
The Deputy can look up the Act.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that when a corporator endeavoured to have the matter of the payment of rates by instalments decided upon, it was ruled out of order as coming under certain Acts in respect of which the Minister has control. Will the Minister amend these Acts so that facilities may be given to people who require them?
If the City Manager decides to alter the present system of rate collection, will the Minister's sanction not be necessary for the implementing of such a decision?
I cannot answer a hypothetical question.