asked the Minister for Local Government if he will introduce legislation with a view to derating the islands off the west coast of Ireland which are uninhabited, or which obtain no amenities from local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Derating of West Coast Islands.
34.
I do not consider that the introduction of legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy would be warranted. I might point out, however, that the existing law empowers a rating authority to write off rates which are deemed to be irrecoverable. This provision can be availed of by a local authority to meet cases where people are genuinely unable to pay their rates.