Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Oct 1933

Vol. 49 No. 19

Private Notice Question. - Postponement of Local Elections.

Professor O'Sullivan

I should like to ask the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is now in a position to answer the question, private notice of which has been given by Deputy Mulcahy. The question is:—

To ask the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether his attention has been drawn to the statement published in the Irish Press of 11th October to the effect that it will be necessary to postpone the local elections fixed for November 14th; whether he will state if it is his intention that these elections should take place on that date, and, if not, whether he will state the reasons for cancelling the order to this effect already issued by him.

Minister for Local Government and Public Health (Mr. O'Kelly)

It is not now intended that the local elections will be held on the 14th November next. An order is being prepared for the postponement of the elections to the period limited by the Local Elections and Meetings (Postponements) Act, 1931, namely 15th July, 1934.

I propose to institute a careful inquiry with a view to discovering if it is possible to secure for local government in general a scheme somewhat on the lines of the managerial system now in operation in certain areas.

I hope at as early a date as possible to submit a measure recasting the existing law and procedure affecting the constitution of, and the administration of, local authorities.

Mr. Belton

Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I ask if it is not a fact that the instructions issued by him to the county councils last June directed the county councils that as this was going to be an election year, they should not hold the annual meeting to elect their chairmen as is provided for in the Act? Would the Minister now say that as this is not going to be an election year, although he pointed it out in his instructions to the county councils last June, what is the position of the county councils; are they legal bodies or is there any intention that they should continue to function without holding the annual meeting to elect chairmen or that if they do so they will find themselves before the Military Tribunal?

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

I want to know why is the Minister postponing these elections. The Minister has not given any reasons why he has postponed them.

Mr. O'Kelly

I have.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

I beg your pardon, you have not. The Minister has stated that it is not his intention to hold the local elections on the 14th of November. Why not hold the elections now on 14th November and introduce his legislation afterwards?

Mr. O'Kelly

I am sure the Deputy will regret it but I am accepting certain advice that was tendered to the Department and tendered in public by the gentlemen opposite when they formed the Government. It was stated by Deputy Mulcahy here in the House and by Mr. Blythe that local government required reconsideration and reorganisation. I propose to do what they believed should be done but did not do.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

I am very glad to hear that the Minister is now following the Cumann na nGaedheal example and I hope that the rest of the Front Bench will continue to follow it.

Mr. O'Kelly

Whenever we find it serviceable to the State we will follow it.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

That is not an answer to my question, why have the local elections been postponed? Of course we all know the reason, but I would like to get it from the Minister. The reason is because you are going to be wiped out.

Mr. Doyle

I would like to ask the Minister whether he is aware that a considerable amount of literature has been supplied to the county councils, involving considerable expense, in connection with these elections and that this will now be wasted.

Mr. O'Kelly

There will be very little expense.