asked the Minister for Local Government when he hopes to be in a position to give his views on the report by the Economic and Social Research Institute on the rates system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rates System Report.
34.
I have invited the views of all interested persons and bodies on the report on rates which was recently published by the Economic and Social Research Institute and have undertaken to give due weight to any observations which may be submitted. I propose to formulate my policy in relation to the report when this process is completed.
Does the Minister accept that the report is such a disappointment that it is pointless discussing it?
I would not say it will set the world on fire but at the same time a lot of trouble and research have gone into it. I should like to hear comments on it. There are certain things in it which are worth considering and we may get some useful comments.
Would the Minister accept that the proposals can only be described as patching up an outdated system?
I would rather not comment on it.
Is it not generally accepted that the Government have no policy on rates?
If Deputy Leonard were prepared to give me a proposal, or any of his party, I might accept it. They had 16 solid years here and just before the election they decided they would do nothing on rates. To start talking about it now is a little bit rough. We make up our minds.
This is your third birthday.