asked the Minister for the Public Service the finances that will be at the disposal of the recently announced Western Development Board; and if the finances necessary for the future running of the local authorities will suffer any reduction.
18.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Development Board.
17.
asked the Minister for the Public Service whether new legislation will be necessary for the establishment of the recently announced Western Development Board; and, if so, when it will be initiated.
19.
asked the Minister for the Public Service the status envisaged for regional development officers, county development officers and county development teams when the recently announced Western Development Board is established.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 18 and 19 together.
In his recent announcement of the Government's decision in favour of the establishment of a Western Development Board, the Minister for the Gaeltacht made it clear that the Government intend to engage in very full consultations with the many local bodies and agencies concerned. These consultations will cover such matters as the financial arrangements to apply, the legislative basis of the board, and the appropriate roles of the board and other relevant public bodies. While it is likely that new legislation will be necessary to establish the board, specific answers to the questions posed by the Deputy must await completion of consultations.
The Government are confident that the process of consultations is essential to ensure that the board will receive the enthusiastic co-operation and support of everybody concerned in the achievement of its objectives.
May I take it no definite decision has been taken as yet with regard to the financing of the body?
No. The nature and extent of financing will depend on the precise nature and functions of the board which the Deputy, I am sure, will appreciate, have to be settled in consultation and agreement with other bodies operating in these areas which may have their responsibilities changed in the course of the implementation of the new board.
May I take it then that it would be analogous to the bodies already operating?
It would not be appropriate at this stage to anticipate its precise form.
Could the Minister say if consultations have begun and, secondly, if any progress has been made in regard to the location of the board?
I understand consultations have begun but there is no decision as yet on the question of the headquarters of the organisation.
Could the Minister state how long these consultations may continue and how soon some conclusions may be reached?
The Deputy will appreciate that, where consultation takes place between the Government on the one hand, and several different associations on the other, it is not possible to forecast when the consultations will be completed as co-operation on both sides is required, but the Deputy may be assured the Government will be anxious to hasten the process.
Would the Minister inform the House of the names of the bodies with which consultations have taken place already?
I am not in a position to give any information on that at present.