asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider reforming the County Managers Acts with a view to allowing for a greater degree of local autonomy and executive power being transferred to public representatives at local level.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Managers Acts.
26.
I have no immediate proposals for making any alterations in the management system.
Arising from the Minister's earlier replies, does he consider that the managerial system is automatically linked to any reform of local government? Would he consider linking the two; in other words, would he consider the reform of the managerial Acts with any proposals for local government reform?
I agree with the Deputy that the County Managers Acts are linked with any reform or consideration of reform of local government. Of course it will be considered in the context of local government.
Will the Minister include in the terms of reference for the review body that he is proposing to set up consideration of the managerial legislation as it currently functions? I am referring to the answer the Minister gave to Deputy Fitzpatrick regarding the review body for the reform of local government which he is proposing to set up. Will he add to its terms of reference monitoring or looking at the functions of the managerial Acts?
I will.
Would it be fair to conclude from the Minister's reply that the only written intention we have with regard to the Minister's ideas in this area are contained in the manifesto?
That does not arise. We cannot go on with questions that contain argument and which only lead to disorder.
I am trying to put a question.
I should like to facilitate Deputies who have sensible questions, who wish to elicit information.
Is the Chair saying my question is not sensible?
I am saying it does not arise. It is merely asking for an opinion. We have had many questions which are really asking for an opinion.
Am I right in assuming that the Minister said he does not at present propose to interfere with the City and County Managers Acts? If that is the case, how does that relate to and fit in with the commitment into which he entered prior to the general election saying that he would introduce structures so that everybody could better participate in decisions affecting their own community, which clearly implies some dilution of the powers of the City and County Managers Acts?
I disagree with the Deputy that it implies such a change. I said I have no immediate proposals. In reply to Deputy Quinn I said it would definitely be a consideration.