asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a large number of County Dublin ratepayers are finding it hard to pay the increased rates; and, if so, whether he will consider granting a higher subsidy for the building of council houses in order to make some reduction in the rates possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hardship of Increased Rates.
With regard to the question of rates, I am not aware of any difficulty peculiar to County Dublin. As the Deputy knows, the rate in the £ on agricultural land is very considerably abated by the agricultural grant. The housing subsidies already available comprise contributions towards loan charges, grants from the Transition Development Fund and the provision of capital moneys at 2½ per cent., repayable over a period of 50 years. Any further relief must be sought by housing authorities in a reduction of building costs and the adoption of a differential rent system.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that the incomes of a number of farmers in County Dublin have been reduced as a result of the agricultural economy pursued by the present Minister for Agriculture? Furthermore, is the Minister aware that, so far as County Dublin is concerned, this is a double-edged question? A number of the agricultural workers cannot pay the increased contribution and the farmer ratepayers cannot pay more. It is up to the Government, which promised to reduce the cost of living by 30 per cent., to do something to alleviate the position because, as it stands at present, there is an increase in the cost of living.