asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange for his officers to make direct contact with local authority officers in relation to housing schemes and so obviate prolonged and protracted correspondence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discussions on Housing Schemes.
15.
My inspectors regularly arrange discussions with local authority technical advisers when the necessity and the opportunity arise.
Does the Minister not consider that if he adopted the suggestion in the question, there would be a great reduction in the delay in setting up housing schemes?
The situation is being dealt with in the manner the Deputy advocates. These discussions under regulations take place, and, whether it be at the request of the local authority or more often on the initiative of my own officers, the discussions are held and will continue to be held. The only thing we might possibly do in addition, and which we are at present considering, is to have some set procedure about these discussions. At present we are considering whether or not that is necessary.
What I have in mind is that when queries are raised by the central Government with regard to local authority schemes, would the Minister consider having direct consultation on these matters rather than have two years' correspondence as is happening now ?
We are having these discussions but there is no set procedure. Whether a set procedure would be a good thing is being considered, and if it is decided that it would be good, we shall certainly have it.