asked the Minister for Local Government if the work of the interdepartmental committee on the rates system has yet been completed; and when a final report may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rates System Report.
25.
The deliberations of this committee were suspended by the former Government when work on the preparation of their White Paper Local Government Reorganisation was put in hands. As the Deputy is aware the present Government have radically changed the rates situation by their decision to relieve ratepayers of health and local authority housing subsidies charges. In the present year the rate struck for these services is only 75 per cent of the rate struck in 1972-73. Local authorities have now been notified that for the coming local financial “year”—the nine month period—the rates to be levied for these services will be only 37½ per cent of the 1972-73 figure. These reductions are in fulfilment of the pledge given in the Government's programme on taking office.
As this committee emphasised that the rates system was inequitable and should be replaced, will the Minister reconstitute the committee with a view to giving them power to recommend that the rates should be abolished altogether?
Deputy Moore will appreciate, I am sure, that it was not my Government who abolished that committee and that it was the previous Government Deputy Moore was supporting. I will consider anything reasonable with regard to the rates.
Will the Minister reconstitute the committee?
That would have to be looked at. The matter is being dealt with in accordance with the promise made in the 14-point programme.
Drastic reductions.
Are they not drastic reductions?
No, indeed they are not.
Would the Minister not agree that for a 37½ per cent reduction, 25 per cent of which is due to the fact that it applies to part of the year rather than the whole year——
The Deputy is indulging in argument.
Is it not true that the rates in County Dublin are up by nearly £1.50 for a full year and there is not a reduction at all?
Deputy Lemass is not quite aware of what is happening.
It is up by 60p in Dublin city for a full year.
Deputy Cunningham, as usual, has completely missed the point and I must, therefore, repeat my answer. The answer I gave was that local authorities have now been notified that for the coming local financial year the rates to be levied for these services—these services are housing and health—will be only 37½ per cent of the 1973 figure. I hope Deputy Cunningham understands that.