asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (i) the total amount of rate struck for Westmeath for the years 1948-1949 and 1949-1950; (ii) the total amount demanded from ratepayers in each of those years and (iii) the total amount paid by all Government Departments by way of grants on this rate for each of those years.

As the reply is in the form of tabular statements I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to have it circulated in the Official Report.

The following is the statement:—

WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL

(a) (b) These figures represent (a) the actual and (b) the estimated amount of the agricultural grant payable in respect of the financial years in question.

Particulars of the principal other State grants payable in respect of the two years are:—