asked the Minister for Local Government whether the position of the rate collector at Castlerea, County Roscommon, has been adversely affected by the decision of the Minister disallowing the rate collector's appeal, made pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 (2) of the Local Government Act, 1941; and, if so, whether he will reconsider his decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rate Collector's Appeal.
It is correct to say that this collector has been adversely affected by the decision of the local authority which was confirmed by me to exclude the water charges in respect of St. Patrick's Chest Hospital from his water rent collection. I had, however, no option but to concur with the view of the local authority that since this institution has come under the administration of the county council and the water charges are now paid by a ledger entry in their books there were no valid grounds why the collector should be paid poundage on this item. I may add that on the figures supplied to me in regard to this man's current earnings it appears that while he loses on this particular item his warrants have increased in other respects and his earnings have not been less than heretofore. I have no power to review the decision already taken.
Is it not so that all the figures were taken into account for the period during which he was receiving the rate?
Yes, that is so.
Why then were the figures for the period after he stopped getting the rate not taken into consideration also?
The last available figures to me were taken into consideration. Even if the most recent figure was available to me I have no power to alter the decision.