asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that grave inconvenience is being caused to occupiers of houses in the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, by reason of delay in sanctioning the proposal of the Department of Defence for that Department to pay as heretofore a bounty in lieu of rates on such houses so occupied; and, if so, whether he will ensure that the necessary sanction is expedited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Curragh Camp Houses.
A decision is being expedited.
Is the Minister aware that proceedings have actually been begun by the local rate collectors, which proceedings will come before the court on the 13th of this month? Will he try to have a decision available before that date?
I doubt if I can do anything in face of that matter, particularly with regard to houses that are not at the moment occupied. This is a real rate on these houses. There is no question of paying a bounty in lieu of rates on such houses.
Mr. O'Higgins
Is it not the position that, in respect of these houses, the Department of Defence used normally pay a bounty in lieu of rates and that no rates were charged to the occupants? Now, however, by reason of the revision of valuations by the valuation office, the occupiers are assessed directly for the rates and the request has been made to the Minister's Department by the Department of Defence to have the previous arrangement reverted to.
It is not possible to do for a case what would be contrary to the general practice.
Mr. O'Higgins
How did the practice get away for so long?