asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to abolish rates on private dwelling houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Private House Rates.
24.
I have already indicated in this House and elsewhere that a comprehensive review of the rating system is in hands. In the meantime substantial relief has been given to rate-payers by decisions taken by the Government in relation to health and housing charges and decrees for malicious injuries.
Can the Minister say when this review will be completed?
No, I cannot.
Among other promises made, the Minister, I think, promised to abolish ground rents. Is there any reason why, having lifted that item from Fianna Fáil policy, he would not also lift their policy on the abolition of rates on private dwellings?
If the Ceann Comhairle will allow me to discuss the matter I shall be only too delighted to discuss it. The question related to private dwellings only and did not include small businesses or anything else. If Deputy Andrews has another look at it I think he will find it was not exactly what he meant. Let me say now that, because of what this Government have done, the average amount by which rates in the £ will be struck for 1975 will be £4 less than they would have been if Fianna Fáil were in office.
Arising out of that fraudulent reply would the Minister not tell the truth to the House? When does he intend to abolish rates on private dwellings? If he goes to any householder in any part of the country and tells that householder the rates position has been improved he will be kicked out the front door.
Maybe so if they are as foolish as Deputy Andrews thinks they are. If he discusses it with his friends in Galway he will find that the farmers in Galway are aware that there has been an improvement.
There would be no rates if we were over there.
They would be £4 higher if Fianna Fáil were over here.
The Minister never indicated any cut in the amenity grants scheme and surely this review will include that scheme?
That is a separate matter.
I do not think there are very many amenity grants in Deputy Burke's constituency.
Would the Minister agree under this review to look at the ludicrous situation—I mean this seriously—where a member of the county council can be removed from the council because of an oversight of two days in making payment? I am sure the Minister will agree this is undemocratic.
Anyone who does not pay his rates is entitled to be removed from the county council.