asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has considered the postponement of the striking of the rate for next year until after the Local Government elections, and, if so, what he proposes to do in the matter.

The question implies that I have power to postpone the striking of local rates. I have no such authority.

Is the Minister aware of the great anxiety of the ratepayers to have the elections over before the striking of the rates, and will he, owing to that anxiety, give the approximate date when the elections will take place?

I am aware of the fact, and I have been very anxious all along to have the Bill passed in time to have the new Councils in, for the striking of the rates, but, owing to the length of time it took the Bill to get through this, and the other House, I am afraid it will not be possible to have the elections in time for that. Provision has been inserted in the Local Government Bill in the Seanad requiring me to hold the elections within two months after the passing of the Act, and I expect that will be upheld in the Dáil. I am of course in the hands of the Dáil.

Is the Minister aware that the rate is already struck in many counties?

Is the Minister aware that extravagance has been employed by the old councils, as Deputy Hogan implied?

That certainly is a new point.