asked the Minister for Local Government the estimated amount of rates that will be collected in 1968-69; and the increase over last year.

The estimated total rate collection for 1968/69 is £37.66 million, an increase of £2.95 million over the corresponding figure for last year.

Can the Minister give me any information on what has happened about the promises made before the last general election to reduce rates?

That is a separate question.

The amount of rates has increased by £2 million in the last year and by over £10 million in the last five or six years. We were told there was a commission being set up to relieve the ratepayers. There was also the promise by the late Deputy O'Malley, then Minister for Health, that the health grant would be stabilised in 1965.

That is a separate question.

Are the rates to continue rising?

There are three reports under consideration.

So the ratepayers will have to wait for a long time?

Services have to be paid for, and the services are improving all the time.

Would the Minister be able to indicate from the trend of the three reports which he said are being considered that there is a likelihood of rates being stabilised or reduced?

The manner in which the activities of local authorities should be financed is being considered on the basis of the recommendations made. No final decisions have been come to.

Can the Minister say whether there is any estimate of how long it will take to complete this consideration?

No.