asked the Minister for Local Government when the accounts of the Longford Co. Council were last audited; whether the surcharges then made were collected; whether £80 was advanced to each of the Assistant County Surveyors for the purchase of motor bicycles, to be repaid by annual instalments of £10; whether any of the instalments due have been paid, and, if not, what steps it is proposed to take to collect the amount outstanding; when it is proposed to hold the next audit, and whether any action is contemplated, in view of the fact that the Council has not met since August last.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - LONGFORD CO. COUNCIL ACCOUNTS.
The accounts of Longford County Council were audited for the year 1920-21 in August, 1922, and the auditor furnished his report on the 14th of that month.
The surcharges he made have been appealed against, and are under consideration. Owing to the death of the auditor some special inquiries have been necessary.
Sums of £80 each had been advanced to each Assistant Surveyor for the purchase of motor cycles, repayable by annual instalments of £8 not £10 as stated in the question. During the audit those assistants who were in the employment of the Council, lodged the amounts due by them.
In the case of an Assistant Surveyor who had ceased to be employed, the auditor directed that steps be taken to recover the motor cycle for the use of the Council.
Notice of audit for years 1921-22 and 1922-23 has been issued.
There does not appear to be any failure on the part of the Council in the matter of holding meetings, and the next statutory meeting is due to be held on the 21st instant.