asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the number of motor vehicles, cars, lorries, bicycles, etc., registered in County Meath for the year ending 31st December, 1923; also the amount of motor tax collected by the Meath County Council for that period, and the cost of collection.

The number of motor vehicles registered and licensed in County Meath for the year ended 31st December, 1923, was approximately 1,090.

According to the records in the Department the amount collected by the Meath County Council for that period was £14,215 9s. 0d. The proportionate cost of collection was £350.

I have given the number of motor vehicles. If the Deputy wishes to have those set out into private cars, cycles, etc., I can give the information.

That is what I want.

Private cars number 589, motor cycles 207, commercial vehicles, lorries, etc., 88, and hired cars, 206.

Arising out of the answer, will the Minister state if the £350 mentioned as the cost of collection has been paid to the Secretary of the Meath County Council from the tax collected?

The Council did get a refund for a period of 18 months, to the 30th September, 1923. I do not know beyond that whether any further proportion of the amount has been paid to them.