asked the Minister for Local Government if the commission set up to investigate the burden of the rates has issued its findings; and, if so, what they are.

The interdepartmental committee established by the Minister for Local Government to examine various aspects of the system of local finance has to date furnished three reports dealing with (1) valuation for rating purposes, (2) exemptions from and remission of rates, and (3) rates and other sources of revenue for local authorities. The principal recommendations made by the committee, so far, are contained in the summarised versions of these reports which were published in October, 1965, August, 1967, and July, 1968, respectively.

Will the Minister indicate what action or decision he has taken?

None——

Typical.

These have been published for comment and the committee has not finished yet. The Deputy's comments will be very welcome.

Will the Minister tell the House what steps he proposes to take in regard to the reports? These promises were made back in 1965 and nothing has come out of them.

That will be decided when the committee finalise their investigations.

Can the Minister indicate when the committee is likely to finish its own investigation?

I do not know. The investigations are continuing.

Will it be this year or next year?

I do not know.

Or after the Minister has gone out of office?

I should say that we shall definitely be in office.

Would the Minister apply himself to this matter as he did to the referendum?