asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a recent report that a person had to purchase a 5p stamp to pay rates of 3p; and the action he proposes to take to prevent a recurrence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Rates.
72.
I presume the Deputy's question relates to a report which appeared in a recent edition of a Sunday newspaper. Under the provisions of the Rates on Agricultural Land (Relief) Acts 1967 and 1972, local authorities have power to waive the collection of small amounts of rates such as may be involved in cases of this kind where the cost of collection would be uneconomic. The existence of this power was brought to the notice of county councils by a circular letter issued some years ago. In the present case the county council in question have now been reminded again of the power to waive the collection of small amounts.
This question cost an average of £17, which is a little more than the 5p spent on the stamp.
That is a very notional figure.
Be careful next time.