asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that Mayo County Council have deducted the amount of rates due by recipients of supplementary housing grants from the cheques payable in these cases, thereby causing serious financial problems for all concerned; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deductions from Mayo Housing Grants.
75.
I understand that Mayo County Council, acting under section 58 of the Local Government Act, 1941, deduct rates due to them, when making supplementary grant payments, and I am not aware of any serious financial difficulties caused by the practice, which the council have operated for about ten years. Under the Act, the matter is entirely within the discretion of the council and accordingly outside the scope of action by me.
Does the Minister not consider that this is scandalous treatment of decent, reputable, respectable people? Surely to heavens it is disgraceful treatment and goes to show how financially embarrassed the whole set-up is?
It does not seem to me to be unreasonable.
Let me remind the Minister that deduction is no payment.