asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the allegations of malpractices made from time to time at local authority level concerning the appointment of rate collectors he is prepared to introduce amending legislation in the public interest.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Rate Collectors.
25.
I take it that the Deputy has in mind the provisions of section 16 (7) of the County Management Act, 1940, whereby the appointment of a rate collector by a county council is reserved to the elected members of the council.
While allegations in regard to the appointment of rate collectors are made from time to time actual evidence of malpractices has not been forthcoming. I would point out that while in general councils make appointments of rate collectors by ballot there is nothing to prevent them using an alternative system, e.g., interview. There is no general demand for a change in the method of appointment.
There may be no general demand, particularly from county councillors, in relation to this function, but is the Minister aware of the fairly widespread cynicism in some councils and that there are allegations of malpractices in relation to the appointment of rate collectors? Would it not be in the best interests of public propriety and reflect more appropriately on the staffs appointed that the alternative system be recommended and this would thus remove allegations of questionable political patronage? Would the Minister recommend to such councils that they might avail of such a system?
I do not think there is widespread belief in malpractices.
Is the Minister aware that at a recent meeting of a county council evidence was tendered of attempted malpractices?
At a recent meeting of what?
A county council.
Which county council?
Roscommon.
I am not so aware.