asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Dublin County Council issue receipts for rates without specifying on the receipts the period in respect of which such rates were paid; and if he will have steps taken to ensure that in future all rates receipts state the periods for which payments were made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Rates Receipts.
27.
Mr. Ryan
Spaces are provided on the particular form of rate receipt used by Dublin County Council to show how the money paid is allocated between "arrears,""first moiety current rate" and "second moiety current rate."
When rates are paid direct to a rate collector, he invariably fills in the spaces on the receipt to show how the money is allocated.
When rates are paid at the cash office of Dublin County Council the allocation of the money paid is not filled in on the spaces provided on the receipt. The decision to omit these details from receipts issued at the cash office was taken by the county council officials to reduce pressure at the cash office, where approximately 50 per cent of the total rate collection is receipted, and to deal more speedily with the public attending there.
This practice has been in operation for over five years and the officers of the county council favour its continuance for the convenience of the public. I shall, however, have the matter discussed with them by an Inspector of my Department.