asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state to what extent he has given recognition to parish councils and whether it is his intention to give further official support to them to encourage their growth and extend their usefulness.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Parish Councils.
Part VIII of the Local Government Act, 1941, enables a county council to give approval to parish councils or, in fact, any local council established for furthering the general social and economic interests of the people in any locality in a county. The county council may assist by providing village halls for parish council meetings and for lectures, general recreation, and other similar objects. The county council can avail of the help of, and, if they wish, delegate functions to the parish council. The attention of county councils was drawn to the provisions of the Act and the county councils of five counties have approved of parish councils but, except in Limerick, the number approved has been limited. The growth and expansion of the parish council movement depends largely on local initiative. The Government, by the Act of 1941, has afforded all the requisite facilities for its development and I do not think that any amendment of the existing law in that regard is necessary.