asked the Minister for Local Government the average increase in local rates based on all rates struck in the country to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rates Increases.
52.
The average increase in rates in the sixteen counties in respect of which the information is available in my Department is 4/4d. in the £ over the rates for the current financial year.
53.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he intends to provide for any alleviations of the crushing burden of increased local rates now widespread in 1964.
Inquiries are at present in progress into various aspects of local finance and taxation. The possibility of further alleviating the burden of local rates is receiving consideration as part of the investigations.
Is it going to happen in 1964?
That I cannot say.
So the Taoiseach's statement in the Crofton Airport Hotel is merely "Live horse and get grass"?
I said it would not happen this year.
That is a deduction only the Deputy is capable of making.
Is the Minister aware that, by the exemption of local authorities from turnover tax charges, a reduction of more than 1/- in the £ could be effected by every county and corporation?
I could give the Deputy a whole lot of other figures he could not refute.