asked the Taoiseach whether in view of the determination by the Supreme Court that the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 1961, is not repugnant to the Constitution and bearing in mind the necessity to minimise as far as possible any dislocation in trade or Commerce he will now indicate the probable approximate date of the General Election.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Date of General Election.
1.
I have not yet made a decision as to the date of the impending general election.
Everybody else has.
May I point out that the Electoral (Amendment) Act became law only last week and the Minister for Local Government has now to make the necessary arrangements to bring it into operation. It will not be possible to consider a date for the general election until the Minister has reported that these administrative arrangements are complete.
Could the Taoiseach state the minimum time during which these arrangements can be made?
I would not be able to say the minimum time it might take. I assume it may take from four to eight weeks.
Surely the Taoiseach is aware that the Minister for Local Government circularised returning officers on the basis that the Bill would become law as far back as the middle of May?
The statutory periods begin to run only from the time the Bill becomes law.
The Taoiseach tries to get me on the wrong foot.
I promise to give the Deputy ample notice.
It certainly will not be before the Vote on Account.
The Minister might meet the doctors between this and then.