asked the Minister for Local Government if he is now in a position to announce the date on which the local elections will be held.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Elections.
10.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given on 27th April last to a similar question asked by him.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that we were told that the announcement would be made before the end of April? We should like to know what is the reason. Is it for political considerations? Are the Government afraid of suffering two defeats in the one year? Can we get the real reason for postponing the local elections?
The Minister gave the Deputy the full reply on 27th April.
The Minister has never given us the reason.
Will he state whether or not it is necessary to have legislation postponing the elections and, if so, must the legislation be introduced prior to the date on which they were intended to be held, that is, June of this year, or may the legislation be introduced any time during the present calendar year in order to postpone the election until next year?
I think any time during the calendar year is permissible.
It can be done up to 31st December of this year?
Yes.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Parliamentary Secretary of the opinion that the local elections will take place before the next general election?
It is very doubtful.