asked the Minister for the Environment if a refund of second moiety of rates will be made to farmers between £40 and £60 valuation who had paid the full year's rates before his announcement of the once-off waiver of second moiety; and, if so, when.

: I am asking local authorities to give refunds in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy. I could not say when the refunds will be made but I would expect that local authorities will make the necessary arrangements without delay.