asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of continued allegations of malpractices in some local authorities on the appointment of rate collectors, he will introduce amending regulations to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Rate Collectors.
86.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a question from him on the same subject on 16th July, 1969.
Has the Minister changed his mind about this matter?
No, I have studied the matter and the previous reply. I do not see any need or demand for it, except from the Deputy, at the present time.
I suggest that those who benefit from such malpractices are not particularly likely to make any demand to the Minister himself. It is in the public interest and in the interest of elevating local authorities that such a change be introduced.
The Deputy is not asking a question.
I do not see how a member of a local authority is going to benefit by being able to vote on the appointment of rate collectors. In my own experience it is a highly responsible decision and one which creates great difficulty. If the Deputy is suggesting that this major decision, one of the few which rest in the hands of elected councillors, should be removed from them he is going against the general trend that local authorities should be given more power rather than less.
I am suggesting the particular difficulty referred to by the Minister is a difficulty of patronage and of allegations of bribery. There is serious public disquiet that rate collectors are appointed by means of public bribery.
If the Deputy can give me evidence of widespread malpractice——
We had the same kind of evidence in relation to Deputy Blaney.
—— I might be able to deal with the so-called allegations. I think the Deputy is gullible to believe all the so-called allegations he hears.
I have a good pair of eyes like Deputy Blaney.
The Deputy should not make such allegations in the House.
Deputy Desmond should withdraw his despicable insinuation.
I withdraw the allegation in relation to Deputy Blaney.