asked the Minister for Local Government whether he will reinstate the elected members of Dublin Corporation to their former positions.
82.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reconstruction of Local Authorities.
81.
asked the Minister for Local Government if it is his intention to reconstitute Dublin Corporation and Bray Urban District Council.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
I have no power to reinstate members of a local council who were removed from office under section 44 of the Local Government Act, 1941.
Existing law requires me to fix a date for a new election which in the case of the two councils concerned must be within the period of five years after the date of removal from office of the members. No decision has been taken on the date of new elections.
Could not the Minister deal with this matter by a simple Bill with one section if he wanted to?
It would not suit the Minister to do that at present.
It would not suit the Minister?
No.
The long-term job he has this evening would not permit him to do anything.
The Minister says he may call an election within five years. Is he empowered to call an election within a shorter period?
Within five years after the date of removal from office.
He can hold it within two or three years?
Can the Minister say if Dublin Corporation will be in existence within five years or may we look forward to a greater Dublin regional council incorporating Dún Laoghaire and the county council?
I have not made any decision on these matters.
The Minister is so busy preparing answers to Parliamentary questions that he has not got time for anything else.