asked the Minister for Local Government if local elections will be held this year.
41.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Election.
40.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether it is intended to hold local authority elections in June, 1974.
42.
asked the Minister for Local Government when local elections are likely to be held.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 41, and 42 together.
It is proposed to hold local elections in June, 1974, as required by law.
Is it correct to say that the Minister has announced to his own party that the elections will be held on 25th June?
No.
I think it is.
Wait and see.
It has already been announced.
I am not responsible for what Deputy Meaney hears.
We can gird our loins.
I will go further and say that I hope to hold the elections in the last week of June, 1974.
Therefore, I am correct in stating 25th June.
Aim at the 25th of June and the Deputy will not be too far out. I have not finally decided on the date because a lot of things have to be taken into consideration.
Would the Minister consider arranging to have the local elections held on a Saturday?
That is a separate question.
Would the Deputy not suggest holding them on a Sunday?
Holding the elections on a working day involves considerable inconveniences. I am thinking in particular of the arrangements that have to be made in respect of people who must travel some distance in order to cast their votes.