asked the Minister for Local Government if he will direct that an inquiry be undertaken into the existing arrangement for collection of taxes or rates by local statutory bodies with a view to establishing whether the necessity still arises for the employment of collectors particularly in urban areas when the ratepayers could pay the amounts due direct to the offices of the local authorities or to their treasurers and, further, if he will inquire into the possibility of arranging that these taxes be paid quarterly or monthly as many ratepayers complain that the demands for two moieties of rates within a space of six months are heavy burdens on their resources.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Collection of Taxes by Local Statutory Bodies.
I am not prepared to direct that an inquiry on the lines suggested by the Deputy be undertaken. The existing system of rate collection has proved to be both cheap and efficient. While the rate is normally payable in two moieties, to meet cases of hardship, provision is made for acceptance by the rate collector of payments on account. In the case of small dwellings and local authority houses, the tenants' payments in respect of rates are included in and payable with the rents.
I would like to ask the Minister is he aware that most rate collectors insist on collecting two moieties immediately on issue of the demand form?
I do not think that that is the general experience. It is not my experience and it is not in accord with the information in my Department.