asked the Minister for Local Government the effect of EEC membership on payments to provide relief of rates on agricultural land.

111.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate whether EEC conditions subsequent to the transitional period allow for the continuance of the present rate subsidy system in respect of agricultural land; and, if so, if he will quote the relevant Treaty regulation authorising such payments.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together. It is not expected that membership of the EEC will affect the agricultural grant; neither the Treaty of Rome nor regulations made thereunder preclude the provision of such relief from local rates.

I asked the Minister to quote the relevant regulation that authorises such payments. It is a point that should be cleared up.

There is no provision which would rule it out.