asked the Minister for Local Government if, with reference to Question No. 207 on the Order Paper of the 31st October, 1951, and his reply thereto, his attention has since been directed to the report of a meeting of the Naas Urban Council when the members complained that information as to the purchase of materials was not given freely to such members, and whether he has satisfied himself that it was necessary or desirable that the council should have to take such steps to ascertain the facts of that or any similar matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Naas Urban Council—Purchase of Materials.
In regard to the first part of the question, I have read the report referred to which indicates that at a meeting of the Naas Urban District Council the town clerk informed the council that the number of quotations received for the supply of uniform and overcoat for the town hall caretaker was eight. The report implies that this information was sought unsuccessfully at a previous meeting of the council. In regard to the second part of the question, I have no communication from the local authority in this matter and, consequently, I am not aware of the circumstances in which the council were unable to obtain the information. As the Deputy is aware, Section 27 of the County Management Act, 1940, enables the council or the chairman thereof to obtain from the county manager all such information as may be in the possession or procurement of the county manager.
If the Minister looks up a previous issue of the Leinster Leader, he will see that the matter was dealt with in the most childish fashion by the official concerned. Will he take steps to see that the work of local authorities will not be hampered in the future and that a member of the local authority, who is not a supporter of mine or of any of my colleagues, will not be held up to public odium as he was in this case?
I am not in a position to confirm whether this matter was handled childishly or otherwise by an official, but even if it was, we all do these things from time to time.