asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the income of agriculture is less than one-third of the national income while the poor law valuation of agriculture is over 75 per cent. of the poor law valuation of the entire State; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to restore the balance in favour of agriculture by reducing the poor law valuation of agricultural land or by some other means.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poor Law Valuation and Agricultural Income.
I am aware of the approximate relationship between the income of agriculture and the national income, but I am not aware that the valuation of agriculture represents so high a proportion of the total poor law valuation as is stated by the Deputy, nor can I accept the implication of his question, which ignores the relief from rates afforded by the Agricultural Grant. When allowance is made for this relief it will be found that the rates burden on agriculture is not disproportionate to its income. Therefore, no question of restoring the balance in favour of agriculture arises.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, if the Minister investigates the poor law valuation of agricultural land and buildings and compares that with the total valuation he will find that the proportion which I have mentioned is an accurate one.
If that is a question, I have investigated the matter and the result of the investigation is not favourable to those interests that the Deputy represents. I would remind the Deputy that as far as the Department of Finance is concerned the word "income" is rather closely associated with the word "tax". I am not going to go further than that.
Is the Minister aware that the agricultural community pays more general and local taxation than any other section?
I would be astounded if I were convinced of that.