asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider, in the light of the continuing deterioration in the Border region, the removal of rates in an effort to alleviate the hardships in the Border areas.
125.
Written Answers. - Removal of Rates in Border Areas.
67.
asked the Minister for the Environment if, having regard to the depressed state of business in Clones, County Monaghan due to its geographical situation on the Border, he will give a subvention of 50 per cent in lieu of rates to all business premises in the Clones urban area.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 125 together.
Local authorities already have considerable discretionary powers to deal with cases of hardship as regards liability for payment of rates and I do not consider that any further provision in this respect is necessary or practicable.