asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the serious anxiety of Mayo ratepayers who are facing a further high increase in their rates burden; and what steps he proposes taking to relieve the situation.
114.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rating System.
113.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will explain the necessity for the proposed increase in rates of £1.6 million by Dublin Corporation; if he will indicate what the increased revenue from rates will be used for; and if the Government have any new proposals or alternatives to the present rating system.
115.
asked the Minister for Local Government when the white paper on the rating system will become available.
116.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the estimated increase of £1.35p in the £ in the Dublin county rates estimate; and if he has any proposals for rates reform.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 114, 115, and 116 together.
The period prescribed by law for the holding of estimates meetings of county councils is from 9th February to 31st March and, in the case of county boroughs it comprises the months of March and April. Pending consideration and adoption of the estimates of expenditure at such meetings, the actual rate in the £ for any rating area will not be known. The Government's proposals in relation to local finance and taxation will be set out in a forthcoming white paper on the subject. Consideration of the proposed white paper is at an advanced stage and every effort will be made to have it published at an early date. I cannot yet say, however, when exactly the white paper will be published. In the meantime the Government are ensuring that ratepayers generally are protected from the full impact of increases in local expenditure, mainly by means of State grants which this year alone total £90 million.