asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state (1) whether the discrepancy between £141,000 stated by the Minister in an answer in the Dáil last Session to be the difference between receipts and expenditure of the Limerick County Council, and £254,000, appearing in the same connection from the figures of the recent Sworn Inquiry, is due to part of the larger figure having been met by short term loans; and, if not, what is the key to the reconcilement of such figures; and (2) what amount may be taken as representing the actual deficit in the Council's finances as at end of March, 1925; and (3) what amount was contributed in reduction of such deficit in the rate for year 1925-26 by (a) diversion of agricultural grants towards such purpose or effect from their normal purpose of current rate reduction; (b) by levy under head of Road Expenditure for more than the actual expenditure thereon; and (4) what amount is included in the rate now struck for the year 1927-28, arising out of administration of years earlier than 1926-27; and (5) what is the explanation of the variation in the poundages ranging from 4/6 in the case of Croom Rural District down to 1/2d. (one halfpenny) in the Rural District of Newcastle West, charged under the head of Separate Charges in Table F. of present rate estimates, having regard to the large amount charged elsewhere in the same rate for repayment of local loans under Table D. of the Estimates.
ORAL ANSWERS. - LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCES.
As regards the first part of the question, the sum of £254,000 should be reduced by £113,400, made up of two amounts, £93,400 borrowed under L.G. (Agricultural Rates) Act, 1924, and £20,000 loan for reconstruction of County Home and County Hospital. The Limerick County Council might be addressed as regards the further parts of the question.
In view of the unsatisfactory state of the Limerick County Council funds, will the Minister consider the question of sending down a Commissioner to administer the area?
That is a separate question.