asked the Minister for Local Government if, prior to deciding upon the division of the new Cork County Borough into wards, he will have full discussions with the Cork Corporation.
50.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork County Borough Wards.
49.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that local government elections are to be held in June, he is expediting the arrangements regarding the division of Cork County Borough into six electoral wards; and when he expects to be in a position to make public his decision in this regard.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.
When the Provisional Order extending the municipal boundary has been confirmed by the Oireachtas, I intend to make an order providing for the division of Cork County Borough into local electoral areas.
The views of the Cork City Council on the general question of dividing the county borough into electoral areas were conveyed to me on the 15th and 28th October, 1964. No special discussion on the matter with the local authority is contemplated at present.
Would the Minister consider having discussions with the local authority and, if not, will he inform the House whom he will consult on the question of dividing Cork city into wards?
This is a job I must do and at this stage I am not in a position to indicate in what manner I propose to do it.
Is it not a fact that the Minister has already in his Department and has already shown to a Fianna Fáil member of Cork Corporation a map dividing Cork city into six electoral wards?
How bright can the Deputy be?
I am asking the Minister to say whether that is true or not.
It is like the Deputy's million pounds last night on an estimate of £20,000.
Will the Minister deny it?
The Deputy should put down a question to that effect.
Is the Minister in a position to say if other boroughs will be divided into wards?
Yes.
Could he say what boroughs?
There is Limerick. In fact, any of the boroughs may be divided.
Will Limerick be gerrymandered in the same way as Cork?
I dare say if Deputy Coughlan had the handling of it, it certainly would be.
I am a long way behind the Minister.