asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the total number of cases in which prosecutions have taken place in the Newport area of North Tipperary for non-payment of rates in respect of increases made in the valuation of holdings by reason of the fact that the county council has drawn turf therefrom; and if he will state in each case (1) the increase in valuation that has been so made; (2) the increase in the demand for rates thereby created; (3) the years in respect of which the increased demand is made; (4) the years in which the county council drew turf from these holdings; (5) the quantity and selling value of turf taken from these holdings each year, and (6) the amount paid for this turf in each year to the occupier of each holding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Turbary Valuations.
I have no functions in regard to the revision of valuations. The Deputy should address the local authority in regard to the other matters raised in the question.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a number of prosecutions are pending in North Tipperary County Council area for non-payment of rates in respect of valuations increased by reason of the purchase by the county council of turf from certain holdings; and, if so, if he will state the number of such prosecutions initiated; and if he is in a position to arrange to stay these proceedings until an inquiry has been held into the general circumstances and a report made as to the justice of the action taken.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his previous question. I have no power to stay proceedings initiated by county councils.
I should like to give notice that I shall raise both these matters on the adjournment.
There is no Minister responsible for this matter.
Yes, there is. If Parliament washes its hands of this turf business in North Tipperary, we ought to be told about it.