asked the Minister for the Environment the form of consideration he has undertaken with regard to the reform of local government; and the precise staff arrangements that exist currently regarding the reform of local government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government Reform.
17.
As I indicated in my reply to a question on this subject on 2 November last, the question of what reforms may be necessary in local government structures is under consideration in my Department. This examination involves a study of all earlier proposals for reorganisation in the light of developments which have taken place in recent years and in the context of present day conditions.
As to the second part of the question, consideration of local government reorganisation is one of the functions of the section of my Department which deals with the structure, procedures, election and so on of local councils. It would not be possible therefore to indicate the precise staff deployment on local government reorganisation alone.
In reply to an earlier question the Minister said that he had set up a review body to look at the whole question of local government reform, and pointed out how necessary it is. In view of the fact that a specific body is being set up, could the Minister give us some indication of the nature of this body and what kind of resources have been made available to it?
I did not point out that I would set up a review body. The question of a review body was mentioned. At that stage Deputy Fitzpatrick mentioned it and asked me about personnel. I said that I was not in a position to talk about the personnel of the said review body, but there was no commitment to a review body. A section in my Department are already working on this but it is part of the other duties of that section.
Are they doing this along with other work? Have they been released from other duties to concentrate on this work? What amount of time is being made available to review this very complex and difficult area? Unless there is some indication of the kind of staffing arrangements that have been made we cannot reasonably expect the Minister to bring forward legislation in a reasonable period.
They are involved in other work as well. It is a busy section of the Department but the fact that they are doing this and have other involvements does not mean that I would not be able to bring forward the necessary legislation when they have completed their examination.
Having obviously reviewed the staff situation very comprehensively could the Minister give us some indication as to when we might expect some proposals either in the form of a white paper or in the form of legislation?
I cannot say exactly when the Deputy could expect them but whatever proposals will be forthcoming will be in operation for the next local elections.
That is what we are afraid of.
Is the Minister serious?
Question No. 18.
Yes, I am serious.
Can I just ask a final question?
No, the last question asked was the final question.
Can I ask one question?
No. I am calling the next question. There is no sense in having several questions on the one question.
It is an important issue.