asked the Minister for Local Government the reasons for the delay in sanctioning the appointment of a rate collector or collectors to a vacant position in North Tipperary.
30.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Tipperary Rate Collection.
29.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has yet reached a decision with regard to the sanction sought by Tipperary (North Riding) County Council for the creation of an additional office of rate collector, and the reasons for the very long delay in his coming to any decision.
31.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he received letters from the Tipperary (North Riding) County Council with regard to the sanction to the creation of an additional office of rate collector; and at what dates he received such letters.
32.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he sent (a) acknowledgments or (b) full replies to letters from Tipperary (North Riding) County Council requesting sanction to the creation of an additional office of rate collector; and at what dates he sent any such acknowledgments or full replies.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 29, 30, 31 and 32 together.
I received a proposal from the Tipperary (NR) County Council for the creation of an additional office of rate collector on the 22nd December, 1961. The original proposal involved also changes in the method of selection of persons to fill the proposed offices. The local authority's letters of 22nd December, 1961, indicated that the matter was to be considered further by the local authority and consideration of the proposal was deferred until that had been done. A further letter was received from the local authority on the 18th January, 1962, and the proposal in final form was submitted on the 19th April, 1962. Reminders submitted by the local authority in the matter were dated the 3rd and 30th August, 3rd October, 22nd November, and 18th December, 1962, and the 12th February, 13th March and 15th May, 1963. Consideration of the effects of the proposal on the cost of collection of rates in the district was deferred pending developments in relation to the general question of rate collectors' remuneration arising out of changes in the Agricultural Grant and no reply issued to the local authority. Consideration of the matter is now being completed and a decision on their proposal will issue to the council within the next few days.
Can the Minister explain why from 1961 until 1963 North Tipperary County Council got no reply whatever from his Department requesting that an additional rate collector be appointed?
The proposal was not submitted in final form until 19th April, 1962, and I have explained the cause of the delay since then.
The county manager wrote to the Department—I have the letter here—on 22nd December, 1961, on 18th December, 1962 and on 15th May, 1963.
The Deputy may not quote during Question Time.
So far, he has not yet received any reply either sanctioning an additional appointment or recommending that we should carry on in the same way. Would the Minister assure the House that North Tipperary County Council will have a reply within a short time?
I have already done so.
Since when?
About two minutes ago. I have already assured you that he will receive a reply in the next few days.
Thank you.