asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has received representations on the holding of immediate local elections in Dublin; and whether he proposes to use his powers under the Electoral Act, 1941, to this end.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Local Elections.
54.
I have received representations on this matter.
The position is as indicated by me on 16th November, 1972.
Would the Minister agree that a great injustice is being done by his Department to the people of Dublin in not giving them the opportunity of participating while the national discussion on the reform of local authorities is proceeding since the Dublin and Bray areas are without any local authority? Would the Minister not agree that this matter should be remedied immediately by using his powers under the 1941 Act to permit the voters of Dublin and Bray to vote in a new local authority election?
If the Deputy considers there is some injustice in the present situations, he knows whom to blame for it.
Is the Minister saying that the citizens of Dublin and Bray are to be blamed for a dispute with the councillors in Dublin Corporation which occurred three years ago? Is the Minister blaming the people of Dublin for this and depriving them of the opportunity of having a local election?
I certainly am not. I am blaming the members of the Deputy's party and others who at the time failed to strike an adequate rate to meet the expenses of Dublin Corporation.
I am calling Question No. 55.
Is it fair to the people of Dublin that the rights or wrongs of that dispute should be visited on their heads? Would the Minister agree further——
We cannot argue this question now.
This only concerns the local jurisdiction of a million of the citizens of this State; it is a very minor problem! They are deprived of any local authority.
There must be a limit to supplementaries.
(Interruptions.)
The members of Deputy O'Leary's own Labour Party were mostly responsible for the dissolution of Dublin Corporation.
(Interruptions.)