Vol. 318 No. 6
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will agree to the request by Waterford County Council to provide a special grant to meet the shortfall in finances for 1980 which is threatening to create a large number of lay-offs of both indoor and outdoor staff.
21.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will clarify the statement attributed to the Minister of State in a newspaper report (details supplied) relating to the finances of Waterford County Council; when it is intended to institute the proposed inquiry into this matter, the terms of reference of the inquiry and when it is expected that its findings will be issued.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
A preliminary examination of the finances of Waterford County Council has already taken place on the basis of information available in my Department in the matter. That examination discloses that the local authority appear to be in a sound financial position and that there is no basis for any suggestion that the local authority are faced with a shortfall in finances which would prevent an adequate level of services and employment being provided in 1980. It is, of course, a matter for the council in the consideration of their 1980 estimates of expenses to determine their priorities in relation to individual services and work programmes.
Does the Minister consider that Waterford County Council have sufficient finance to retain the present level of employment?
I am perfectly satisfied that Waterford County Council have sufficient finances available to maintain their regular level of employment. As I said in the reply, their finances are in a very sound condition.
Is there no basis for the statement by the county manager that there would more than likely be lay-offs?
I cannot see that there is any need for lay-offs as far as Waterford County Council are concerned.
That must be unique in the Twenty-six Counties.
As I said, they are in a sound financial position.
Question Nos. 22 and 23 have gone for written reply.
