asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to issue a further statement on local government reorganisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government Reorganisation.
9.
I do not consider that any further statement, as such, in regard to local government reorganisation is called for at the moment. My intention is to proceed as opportunity arises with the implementation of those reforms which I feel to be required. A gradual but substantial reform of local government has, in fact, already been made by the phased transfer of health and housing charges from the rates to the Exchequer, the many electoral reforms which have been introduced and the devolution from my Department to local authorities of several schemes previously administered centrally. I should also like to say that a fair measure of consensus has emerged from the debate on the discussion document issued by me in December, 1973 as to the reforms in the local government system which are required. Legislative proposals are being prepared to give effect to these reforms and I hope to present them to the House later this year.
Is the Minister aware that it is a number of years since he published his proposals on reorganisation and asked for comments?
December, 1973.
Yes. That is a considerable time ago and we were promised that the matter would be brought before the Dáil a considerable time ago.
You were not promised that. I told you that when I got the replies I would consider them and would see what could be done. I am now doing that and probably legislation will be ready for submission to the Government very shortly. In fact, there was grave delay in the case of some of the very important local authorities who gave the information in bits and scraps instead of doing what was expected of them.
Has the Minister got comments from all of the local authorities now?
From all of the local authorities who are anxious. As the Deputy knows, there are a great many local authorities who would not comment on things like that but from all of the important ones, yes.
Would the Minister agree that in the very complex society in which we live the reorganisation is a matter of considerable urgency and that if citizens are to benefit from local government the reorganisation should take place as quickly as possible?
I hope the world will continue to rotate for a great many centuries. The Deputy may be assured that this year we will have the reorganisation before the House. I hope that when I bring it in it will be considered as urgent as it is now.