asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on the rationalisation of rents and rates; if he is prepared to recommend a differentiation from zero, where people are unable to pay, upwards: if he is aware that small farmers and small shopkeepers in the west of Ireland are being forced out of existence; and what steps he intends to take to rectify this position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rationalisation of Rents and Rates.
44.
In so far as rents are concerned, local authorities have been urged to adopt differential or graded rental schemes for their dwellings providing for rents related to the financial circumstances of tenants and to the standard and amenity of the accommodation. Under these schemes, rents range from a purely nominal minimum for tenants of limited means to a sum based on the net replacement cost of the dwellings, and authorities are urged to incorporate special provision to deal with any hardship cases. With regard to rates I would refer the Deputy to my replies of 9th February, 1967, to Questions Nos. 42 and 43 by Deputy L'Estrange and Deputy Flanagan.
Is the Minister aware that the present rates system is antiquated, that it is 150 years old, and is completely out of date? Is the Minister further aware that the poor law valuation is no criterion of any person's wealth or ability to pay? Will he as soon as possible, or in the near future, try to stabilise the rates or to do something for the unfortunate ratepayers, many of whom are unable to meet the present burden of rates?
As the Deputy knows, an interdepartmental committee is considering this whole matter. Its first report was published in October, 1965, and its second report should be available in the next few days. The preparation of its third report is well advanced. It is hoped that when this report is available and has been studied, with the different suggestions made by the interested people, it will be possible to decide on what changes should be made.
Is it the intention of the Government to take action immediately they get the report?
No.
No?
It is intended that the report shall be available to the public to be studied first for a period.
It will be on the long finger for another few years.