asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate the six most highly rated counties for the present financial year, giving the amount of the rate in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rating Liability.
The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the official report.
The following is the statement:—
The six most highly rated counties in the present financial year, and the amount of the rate in the pound in each, are:—
|
County |
Rate in the £ on County Health District |
|
|
s. |
d. |
|
|
Kerry |
30: |
3.00 |
|
Galway |
27: |
11.25 |
|
Donegal |
27: |
0.00 |
|
Mayo |
26: |
6.00 |
|
Leitrim |
26: |
5.70 |
|
Laoighis |
25: |
6.00 |
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the discontent existing amongst ratepayers in the City of Dublin because of the present high rate and whether he will establish a tribunal to investigate the causes of the high rate and to make recommendations as to any economies which might be effected by the municipal authorities, without impairing the efficiency or reducing the scope of essential services.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given on the 23rd ultimo to Deputy Cogan in which I indicated that I will assist local authorities in every way I can where they are endeavouring to effect economy in local expenditure provided essential local services are maintained. I am anxious that all local authorities would examine this matter themselves. I understand that the Dublin City Council have decided to set up a select committee whose functions will include the submission to the council of recommendations on any economies which could be made without reducing the efficiency of the present essential services.
Is it not a fact that there is an excellent standing committee dealing with this question all day and every day throughout every year, and that every corporation official is most conscientious in his efforts to see that full value is got for every penny spent, and that they have, in fact, been complimented by the municipal council and by various committees on numerous occasions for the efficiency of their administration?
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the intensified campaign being conducted by a section of ratepayers for a reduction in local rates, he will recommend to all local authorities that essential services, especially health services, ought not to be curtailed or affected by this demand.
Local authorities are fully aware of the need for making adequate provision for the maintenance of essential services, and I do not think that the question of issuing a recommendation on the lines suggested by the Deputy is likely to arise.