asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the general concern of members of the House that a major overhaul should be undertaken of the whole local taxation system, he will recommend the setting up of a select committee of the House or a Government commission on local taxation to report on this urgent matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Taxation.
48.
Various aspects of the system of local finance and taxation have been the subject of investigation by an interdepartmental committee which has to date furnished three reports. The committee's investigations are continuing with due regard, of course, to the present review of the structure of local government. In the meantime action has been taken to give effect to certain recommendations of the committee in the Local Government (Rates) (No. 2) Bill, 1969, the text of which was circulated some months ago, and the remaining recommendations are being studied. In view of the stage reached in the various investigations I would be reluctant to recommend any action now which might result in a duplication of effort or in a delay in the formulation of comprehensive proposals for any necessary changes in the system, but I will certainly give every consideration to the question of how best, at the appropriate time, the experience and the expertise of persons both inside and outside the Dáil, may be availed of in finding solutions to the problems of local finance and taxation.