asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state, in respect of each county council, the date upon which he last communicated with them reminding them that valuations should be increased in the case of persons cutting and selling turf; and if he will state the terms of such communication.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turbary Valuations.
On the 4th September last my Department by circular letter requested the secretary of each county council to indicate generally the action taken on the circular letter of 11th April, 1946, relative to the revision of valuation of turf bogs or turf banks. Where replies were not received or where they were incomplete or indefinite, reminders or further communications were issued in due course until full information was obtained as to the action taken in each county.
It is perhaps well in connection with this question to remind the Deputy that in the discharge of their obligations to their ratepayers in general, it is the duty of the appropriate local authorities to ensure that all turf banks in their area on which turf is cut for sale should be duly valued. If the local authorities concerned do not do this, then the ratepayers who do not own income-producing bogs will be bearing an undue proportion of the county charges.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if he will place in the Library copies of all the communications sent to the local authorities in connection with this matter?
The Deputy was sent the letters which dealt principally with this matter. I will consult the Minister as to the placing of copies of the letters in the Library.
I was sent a letter in April, 1946. I shall be glad if copies of subsequent letters could also be sent. I suggest that it would be advisable, for the information of members of the Oireachtas generally, that copies of all circulars issued in connection with this matter should be placed in the Library.
How many of the local authorities have replied to the circular sent out in September last?
As a result of several reminders, all the county authorities concerned have now replied, indicating their action in the matter.
Indicating that they have acted in the manner suggested by the Department?
Yes. The complete replies have shown that the county councils have made the necessary reports to the Commissioners of Valuation.
When the Minister for Finance stated here last week that the initiative lay entirely with the local authorities, he was not speaking in accordance with the facts.
The initiative in what?
In this matter of proceeding to make people pay anything up to double and treble their present valuations.
The actual action is initiated by the local authority.
Mr. Morrissey
On directions from the Customs House, by repeated communications.
I should state that it is the duty of the Minister to remind local authorities of the law, to remind them of the provisions of the Act which provided that where turf banks are used for profit, the valuation should be reviewed. That is the sole duty of the Department. The matter then lies with the local authority and the Commissioners for Valuation.
Mr. Morrissey
And that is the sole contribution of the Department to turf production.
What would be the result if the local authority did not comply with that direction of the Minister?
Is the local authority in this matter not the county manager?
The matter is one for the local authority, that is to say, the county council concerned, to insist that the law is carried out. The responsibility lies with the Minister to remind the local authority of the law regarding this matter. That is the sole responsibility of the Minister.
Mr. Morrissey
It is a managerial function.