asked the Minister for the Environment the total amount of rates not collected by local authorities in 1980; the amount not collected to date in 1981; and the estimated total amount that will not be collected or cannot be collected in 1981.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Non-Collection of Rates.
9.
At the end of 1980 the total amount of local rates uncollected was £13.14 million. Of the total due for collection in 1981, including arrears, the amount uncollected at 31 August 1981 was £66.8 million. It is not possible at this stage to forecast what the position will be at the end of 1981.
In view of the fact that local authorities will have a major shortfall in their finances because of lack of receipts from rates in 1981, has the Minister any plans to give additional finances to local authorities to ensure the maintenance of services and employment?
Since the Government came to office we have allocated £30 million for local authority housing schemes. We have made much smaller allocations recently for amenity purposes and so on. I accept what the Deputy has said that local authorities are very short of money this year. We have no other plans to give them additional money.
Will the Minister outline the policy he intends to follow with regard to the portion of the rates not paid by the agricultural community?
The Minister for Agriculture and I made a clear statement on this matter some months ago. The IFA endorsed our attitude, that where farmers could pay then they should pay if only to relieve pressure on other farmers not in a position to pay. Any farmer who has genuine difficulty with regard to payment should contact the appropriate officer in the local authority concerned and the authority in question should have a sympathetic attitude towards those farmers.
Is it not true that rate collectors have been trying to collect that portion of £13.14 million owed by farmers in 1980 and that they have been threatening to apply six-day notices and so on?
I am not so aware. The indications are that the attitude the Minister for Agriculture and I would like to see adopted is being followed.
Quite apart from the agricultural community, how does the amount collected—£66.8 million—compare with normal collection?
I have not the exact figure but it is less than would normally be expected to be collected at this time of the year. The amount of rates collected this year as a percentage is lower than what would normally be expected to be collected by 31 August.
Will the Minister of State say if the figures he has mentioned include any amount in respect of water rates?
I do not know but I can find out for the Deputy. I am sure it would include water rates but I am not completely certain.
In view of the fact that water rates in urban areas were not abolished when rates on domestic dwellings were abolished and that the amount involved is so small — the cost of collection is probably more than the actual amount of water rates — will the Minister consider abolishing water rates in urban areas.
I am having an examination carried out of all methods of finance available to local authorities and I will have that included.
Can the House be assured that in the examination of the matter of rates, where charges are imposed at a local or national level, the Minister will not reintroduce rates by the back door?
Yes, I have said that.