asked the Minister for the Environment if all schools and educational establishments in the State, residential and otherwise, will be derated.

The Government in their election manifesto undertook to abolish rates on all secondary schools; this includes secondary boarding schools. Effect is now being given to this undertaking by local authorities.

As regards other educational institutions, there is no proposal to alter the existing position. In fact, many of them already enjoy exemption from rating on grounds of being of a public nature or used for charitable purposes.

Would this apply to student hostels and buildings of such a nature? There are residential halls for students attached to some houses.

They are exempt.

Does this exemption include educational research institutes and centres of research in respect of education?

It includes secondary boarding schools.

The question refers to a specific matter. We cannot go on asking endless supplementaries.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Could the Minister say if the residential or boarding portion of secondary schools will still be rated?

No. We undertook to abolish rates on all secondary schools and this includes secondary boarding schools. The residential portion is also exempt.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I want to be quite clear on this. In the case of a secondary school, there is the school part and the dormitory or residential part. Will the dormitory section be——

Exempt from rates, yes.

In the case of secondary schools which, in addition to the premises and land normally used for the purposes of the school, may own substantial holdings of land could the Minister say if the derating extends to such land not directly used for school purposes?

That will be spelled out in the legislation which I am bringing in. There will be a limitation on what will be exempt surrounding the college.

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