asked the Minister for Local Government when he intends to introduce proposals for legislation proposed by the Government to amend the provision respecting the relief of rates by the agricultural grant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief of Rates on Agricultural Land.
In due course.
Will the Minister say rumours that he does not intend now to introduce legislation on the lines of whether there is any truth in thethe circular which he issued to local authorities about a month ago?
I intend to introduce legislation in due course.
Will the legislation follow the pattern of the Minister's letter?
It is not usual to say what pattern legislation will take in advance of its introduction.
Is there any justification for the feeling that is at present prevalent throughout the country that county councils have been asked to complete their rate demand notes on a pattern that will not be carried through by the legislation that this Government propose to introduce?
I am not responsible for feelings that may exist and about which I know nothing. I am responsible for the introduction of proposals for legislation and this will be introduced in due course.
Will the proposals follow the instructions that the Minister has given?
That seems to be a separate question.
It is not usual to say in advance what lines proposals for legislation will take.
The proposals have been notified to all county councils. What has happened is that the Minister has made a muddle which has cost every county council sums varying between £100 and £600 and he does not now know how to get out of the muddle.
In view of the fact that there has been circulated to us a list of the items of legislation that the Government desire to have passed through before Recess and that the Minister's Bill does not appear on that list, will he say whether or not he is responsible for the fact that this Bill does not appear on the list?
I can understand the Deputy's anxiety to see this Bill but I would like to remind him that it is not unusual to take this particular Bill at a later stage in the year.
Can the Minister then say it is not his intention to move at this side of the Recess in this matter?
It is my intention to move in this matter inside of the period that I must move and when I am ready.
Are we to understand then that the instructions sent to the local authorities still stand and that the changes are intended to be made?
If the Deputy had looked at the Order Paper he would see that there is another question dealing with that matter and I will reply to it in a short time.
Thank you very much.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the cost to each county council and the total cost involved by the replotting of the rate demand notes consequent on the Orders issued by the Government to fulfil their new proposals for agricultural grant relief.
The information is not available in my Department.
That is the answer. Is the Minister aware that the cost to Kildare County Council was something over £100 because of his muddle? Is the Minister further aware that it was announced at Galway County Council that the cost of his muddle to Galway County Council was something over £600 ? Is the Minister aware that the members of every other county council throughout the country have been informed that sums varying between £100 and £600 have been charged upon the ratepayers due entirely to the fact that the Minister and the Government could not make up their minds in time what they wanted to do?
If I had known that the Deputy was so well informed on all these matters I would have consulted him in order more effectively to reply to his questions.
It would prevent you making such an awful mess of your Department.
Is the Minister aware that the cost to the small County of Louth will be £700?
I am still getting further information.
Would the Minister consider occasionally doing the job for which he is paid by the public?
I consider everything, even some of the foolish suggestions that come from that side.