asked the Minister for Local Government if he will increase the agricultural rates rebate to £100; and if he will extend it to female labour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Rates Rebate.
63.
The introduction of legislation to provide for such changes is not contemplated.
Would the Minister not agree that the rebate of £17 which is in operation is many years out of date and is ridiculous when one thinks of the rate of depreciation in the value of the £? Surely the Minister should now think of bringing this up to date, and at least allowing a rebate of £100 and also including female labour? Surely that is not an unreasonable request to make in 1971?
I do not propose this year doing as the Deputy suggests.
Is the Minister aware also that a resolution was passed unanimously by Carlow County Council which, I think, was sent to his Department requesting this?
Is the Minister against the proposal in principle or is it merely financial considerations that are influencing him?
I am against it in principle. If any relief is to be given to persons who are deriving their livelihood from agriculture, such relief should be directed in the main towards the smaller farmers. There are 418,000 rated holdings of agricultural land but only 36,000, or one-twelfth, of these benefited from the employment allowance. The average employment allowance paid in the year 1969-70 was only £16.32. It is clear that an increase in the allowance would be of no benefit to some farmers because they do not qualify for the present allowance.
Surely the Minister will agree that it would be of benefit to some sections of the farming community?
Yes, those with high valuations who are very well able to look after themselves and who, I might say, pay no income tax.
They pay very high rates.