asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that many small farmers in West Cork are unable to meet the rate demand because many backward store cattle are at present unsaleable and milk supplies are below the average; and, if so, if he will reconsider his previous decision and grant an extension to the middle of June next for the payment of the current half-yearly rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Rates (West Cork).
The rate collection last year in West Cork was somewhat better than that in North Cork and as good as that in South Cork. In County Cork as a whole the collection was not altogether satisfactory, as it was the lowest in the whole country with the exception of one county. During the year ended 31st March, 1945, only 83 per cent. of the rates was collected as compared with 98 per cent. in Tipperary North Riding, 97 per cent. in Tipperary South Riding, 91 per cent. in Limerick County, and 90 per cent. in Waterford County. In Leinster the percentage collected reached 98 per cent. in one county, 97 per cent. in another, and 95 per cent. in a third, while the average for the whole country was over 90 per cent.
In the light of these circumstances I am unable to understand the poor standard of rate collection in Cork County, and I do not propose to vary the date for the closing of the rate collectors' warrants.
Is the Minister aware that cattle have been unsaleable in the poorer districts of West Cork for the last eight or nine months and that they will not be fit for market until about June?
I am not so aware; but I am aware of this fact, that, in general, the people even in the poorest counties of Ireland pay their rates much more promptly and punctually than the people in County Cork and I do not understand why the County Cork farmers cannot meet their obligations the same as others.
Did you ever inquire?