asked the Minister for Local Government if he has considered the report Strengthening the Local Government Service: if he is satisfied that the recommendations contained therein are in the interests of local administration in this country; and if he will ensure that any reorganisation of local government will not result in the abolition of any urban authorities or the curtailment of their powers.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Local Government Report.
195.
The report which deals primarily with local authority staff structure and procedures was published without commitment pending consultations with local authorities and other bodies and persons. On 28th June last I invited local authorities to furnish their views on the proposals in the report regarding staff structure, management and planning processes, personnel and training and implementation. The observations of local authorities and other bodies on these issues are still being received and will be considered in due course before any decisions are taken.
I might add that the report also contains material in relation to the broader question of local authority structure. In so far as this issue is concerned I am preparing legislation which takes cognisance of the proposals in the White Paper on Local Government Re-organisation, the subsequent written submissions which were made and the views which were expressed by representatives of local authorities in the course of the meetings which were organised on a regional basis throughout the country.