Vol. 226 No. 7
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will now state, with reference to the former Taoiseach's statement at Ballyshannon on the 21st March, 1965 that the question of the incidence of rates and the possibility of some charges being transferred to central funds were being investigated, whether such investigation has been completed; at what date he expects to announce the results of this investigation; and what action the Government propose on these results.
43.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider legislation to change the rating system with special regard to a differential as between business and private dwellings and also a differential based on income up to a specific level with a view to helping all householders and shopkeepers on small incomes.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
While considerable progress has been made in the investigations into various aspects of the system of local finance and taxation, including the question of the transfer of charges to the Exchequer and the impact of rates on various classes of ratepayers, the stage has not been reached where comprehensive proposals for any necessary changes can be formulated.
44.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that thousands of ratepayers in the country are finding it impossible to pay the present rates demanded; and what relief he has in mind for (a) farmers who are unable to pay rates because they cannot sell cattle, (b) other rural ratepayers and (c) urban ratepayers.
45.
asked the Minister for Local Government if the collection of rates in rural Ireland is up to the usual standard for this time of year; and if he will obtain an up-to-date report from county managers in regard to this matter.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.
Enquiries made from local authorities in recent weeks indicate that, in general, the collection of rates by county councils this year is up to the standard achieved at this time in 1966 and in previous years. The progress with the collection of the rates does not bear out the suggestion that thousands of ratepayers are finding it impossible to meet their rates liability.
46.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to increase the employment allowance per farm employee for the purpose of rate abatement under the Rates on Agricultural Land (Relief) Act, 1939, so as to bring the allowance to a figure which would allow for the increases in farm costs including insurance stamps and farm wages which have taken place since the figure was fixed at £17 per employee in 1953.
47.
asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the greater need for agricultural production he will introduce legislation to provide for further relief of rates by the application of a scheme whereby farmers would get a remission of an amount equal to the amount of the land valuation, provided that in each case satisfactory proof is furnished that fertilisers to the same value have been applied to the farm in respect of which the rate is levied.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together.
The scheme of rate reliefs provided in the Rates on Agricultural Land (Relief) Act, 1964, which expires on the 31st March, 1967, is at present being reviewed in connection with proposals for continuing legislation which it is hoped to place before the Dáil in the near future.
