asked the Minister for Local Government whether his Department have recommended the appointment, by the Laoighis County Council, of four additional engineers for road surveying work; if so, if he will indicate whether the salaries and expenses of these officers will be met from a grant out of the Road Fund or by the levying of an additional rate on the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Engineers in Laoighis.
Representations have been received from a number of county councils in this matter. These are at present under consideration.
Can the Minister answer clearly the question put to him? Are the salaries and expenses of such additional engineers to be borne by funds to be provided by the State or by the local taxpayers? Who is to pay those engineers?
I have already indicated to the Deputy that the matter is under consideration. I am not able to say any more at the present moment.
Further, Sir, assuming the case of a local authority which will not bear the expenditure what action will the Department take against such local authority?
The matter is under consideration, as I have said. A very large number of local authorities have indicated their willingness and the question of whether there should be a contribution from the Road Fund, which incidentally would not increase the total allocation to the Road Fund in any particular area, is under consideration.
Will the Minister soon be able to make a statement so as to clear the minds of the local authorities on the matter?
I am not able to give details, but it will be in the near future.