asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the special relief of rates granted for employment of farm employees is nullified if the employee is absent owing to sickness, and if he will introduce legislation to rectify the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Employment Rates Relief.
56.
Every doubt or question that may arise in relation to a claim for employment allowance falls to be determined by the local authority concerned. No complaints have been received in my Department in regard to the disallowance of claims because of absence from work through illness. I do not consider that amending legislation as suggested in the question is required.
Does the Minister not consider that there is considerable hardship in many cases? Would it not be simple to remedy that hardship by introducing a simple amendment to the legislation?
As I have indicated in my reply, I am not so aware.
Is it not a fact that if a man is absent for a month, the relief of rates grant is stopped?
I am not aware that that is the case, nor is it obligatory on councils to have it so. Councils have discretion in such cases.
It is the law and I am asking the Minister to amend it.
Is it not the law that a council has no option but to deny relief of rates in a case where an employee is absent for even a week?
That is not my advice.
It is my advice.