asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that abatement on agricultural rates is not available to an employer if the employee is under 17 years of age and that such employee is insurable under the National Health Insurance Acts; and if he will consider introducing legislation to substitute 16 for 17 years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Abatement on Agricultural Rates.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part of the question, legislation will be needed in the normal course of events to deal with the distribution of the agricultural grant in the forthcoming financial year. In the course of preparation of such legislation, consideration will be given to any amendments in the present law regarding the distribution of the grant which may be considered desirable.
I did not quite hear the Minister. Did he say that legislation along the lines suggested in part two of the question is contemplated?
No.
Would the Minister mind repeating the last portion of his reply?
"As to the second part of the question, legislation will be needed in the normal course of events to deal with the distribution of the agricultural grant in the forthcoming financial year. In the course of preparation of such legislation, consideration will be given to any amendments in the present law regarding the distribution of the grant which may be considered desirable."