asked the Minister for Local Government the rate in the pound struck for Waterford county for (a) 1956 and (b) 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford County Rate.
9.
The rate in the pound struck for Waterford county for (a) 1956 and (b) 1966 is as follows:
|
1956 |
1966 |
|
s.d. |
s.d. |
|
389.00 |
610.00 |
Does the Parliamentary Secretary remember when Fianna Fáil promised that if they were elected to power, they would give help with regard to rates to all the farmers of Ireland?
This does not arise.
I should remind the Deputy that in 1965-66 there was an 80 per cent rebate on the first £20 of agricultural valuation. That did not obtain in 1956.
Those supplementary questions do not arise on the question on the Order Paper.
The rates have increased 70 per cent in Waterford.
The rates have not increased.
They have: ask the people who pay them.
The rates have increased by 57 per cent. That is far away from 80 per cent.
Fifty-seven per cent is enough.
I should explain that State grants have increased by £250,000.
If the small farmers had a decent living, they would not be sitting in front of Government Buildings. They would not leave their wives and families in this bad weather.
(Interruptions.)
It is the arrogance of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries which is the cause of this.
We have two by-elections shortly.