asked the Minister for Local Government whether in view of the disastrous harvest due to weather conditions and the heavy losses among farmers, particularly in the tillage counties, he will consider a six months' extension of the period of rate collection to enable farmers to achieve some measure of financial stability to offset such losses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Collection of Farmers' Rates.
I have no power to instruct rating authorities to defer the date for receipt of either moiety of the rate. If exceptional local circumstances affect the ability of particular farmers to pay their rates, I have no doubt that the rating authority will grant a reasonable extension of time for payment. I have placed no obstacles in the way of local authorities taking such a course where proposals have so far been received from them to avert consequential effects on the remuneration of rate collectors.
Would the Minister not be prepared to offer that advice to local authorities?
I am afraid I did not hear the Deputy properly.
Would the Minister not care to advise local authorities on the lines of my question?
No, I would not care to do so.