asked the Minister for Local Government the estimated cost of holding the local elections in June, 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Cost of Local Elections.
93.
The cost of holding elections is borne by the local authorities. Having regard to figures supplied by local authorities in relation to the 1967 local elections it can be assumed that the overall cost of the next local elections will be not less than £150,000.
I have asked for the cost of the local elections in June, 1972, and the Minister has given me an estimated cost. Are we going to have elections in June, 1972, or has the Minister decided at this stage to postpone them?
All I can do with the best will in the world is to have a rough estimate made of the possible cost that may arise from the holding of the local elections.
Are the elections going to be held in June, 1972?
No decision has been made not to hold the elections in June, 1972.
Will the elections take place?
The question relates to the local elections in June. Will the elections be held in June because if they are not being held the Minister cannot give a figure?
A decision has not been made not to hold them.
That is a negative answer. That is a non-decision.
The Deputy can assume they will be held unless he hears otherwise.
Is the Minister for Local Government aware that the Taoiseach said in the House last week that if the date of the referendum was close to the date of the local elections then it was most unlikely they would be held.
That is a very reasonable statement in the circumstances. This would be a factor which would influence the Government in deciding whether or not they should postpone the local elections. The Government are not anxious to postpone the local elections. Is Deputy Clinton suggesting to me that I should postpone them?
I am suggesting to the Minister that he should hold them because we are very anxious that they should be held.
Very good. The Deputy has nothing to worry about so.
Is the Minister aware that a certain person in his party stated that the Minister told him the elections were not taking place this year?
I want to give Deputy Moore a chance of getting back.
I am not aware of the statement Deputy Tully has referred to.
Does the Minister intend to appoint 45 commissioners?
That is a separate question.