Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Foot And Mouth Disease.

David Stanton

Question:

176 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the mechanism whereby local authorities can allow rate relief for tourism businesses severely affected by the foot and mouth crisis; if he has had any discussions with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13106/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Section 2 of the Local Government (Rates) Act, 1970, provides for the making of waiver schemes by rating authorities as a reserved function. These schemes require my consent. The waiver schemes enable rating authorities to waive part or all of the rates due by ratepayers generally or by classes of ratepayers or in respect of hereditaments of a class or classes specified in a scheme.