asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement indicating the reviews of new initiatives, if any, under way in his Department regarding proposals for reform or amendment of existing arrangements for raising and collecting local government finance.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government Finance.
6.
The Deputy will be aware that various steps have been taken since the Government took office to improve the finances of local authorities, including the removal of the demand for supplementary welfare allowances, widening the powers of local authorities to charge for services and the introduction of the farm tax. It is also proposed to remove from local authorities responsibility for the cost of maintenance of arterial drainage schemes. The finances of local authorities are subject to ongoing review in my Department.
Is the Minister seriously suggesting that during the term of office of the Government the financial position of local authorities improved when, as the Minister must be aware, the income of local authorities deteriorated considerably?
In relation to prudent local authorities the answer is "yes".