asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that Mr. William Dunne, Brackeragh, Ballinasloe, County Galway, was a member of Ballinasloe Urban Council, that he is now disqualified for not having paid his rates to 31st March, 1942; if the Minister is further aware that failure to pay was due to the fact that Mr. Dunne claimed two-thirds abatement of rates on his house, which was completed in 1939; which claim the town clerk, who made the assessment, refused to accept; and if the Minister will make a statement on this and similar cases where disqualification arises from non-payment due to a dispute.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballinasloe Urban Councillor's Disqualification.
This case was reported to my Department only after the close of the financial year ended the 31st March, 1942. It appears that a dispute arose between Mr. Dunne and the town clerk. My Department has communicated with the town clerk on the matter and when fuller information is available I will communicate with the Deputy.
Assuming the facts are as stated by the Deputy, I would point out that before the rates for the year were struck they were left open for inspection for 14 days. It was a matter for Mr. Dunne to draw the attention of the council to his complaint and have the matter determined before the close of the financial year. Nearly a year elapsed between the making of the rate and Mr. Dunne's disqualification, and as a matter of prudence I think he might have paid the demand without prejudice, so that his position as a member of the council might not be jeopardised. Should Mr. Dunne's contention in the matter be shown to be well-founded, it will be open to the council to reinstate him by co-option.
I have no statutory function in a matter of this kind and have no power to determine such a dispute.