asked the Minister for Local Government the date on which he received a town planning appeal from Mr. Joseph Ledwidge, Slane, County Meath; the decision taken by him on the appeal; and the reason for the delay in dealing with it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Town Planning Appeal.
56.
This appeal was received in my Department on 19th June, 1963, and on 6th March I made an Order confirming the refusal of permission. Before reaching a decision on any appeal, I have to be satisfied that all relevant factors are fully examined. In view of the issues involved in this particular case, I consider that there was no avoidable delay in dealing with it.
Could the Minister explain how it was that although the appeal was in his Department from 19th June, 1963, no action was taken on it, according to the Minister himself last week, until my question went down, and then in a fit of pique somebody said: "We will shoot it down and prevent the man from building his house"? Would the Minister, even at this late stage, reconsider this action which, if it cannot be called hasty, can be called most unfair?
The Deputy does not know what he is talking about.
He usually does.
Despite the fact that he rang up my office and got information, he still does not know what he is talking about.
I do not expect the Minister to be polite to me, because that is not his nature, but would the Minister try to have some manners in this House when answering questions?
I am just telling the Deputy he does not know what he is talking about.
I know it was a Fianna Fáil Deputy who put it before the Minister.