asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the recent statement of the manager of the Dún Laoghaire Corporation that the inquiry into its planning section is concentrated only on the officer who has been suspended, he will now initiate a fully independent investigation into all aspects of planning in Dún Laoghaire.
Written Answers. - Planning Section Investigation.
342.
Following the reply to Question No. 26 of 27 November 1980 regarding the operations of the Planning Department of Dún Laoghaire Borough Corporation I conveyed a direction to the Dublin City and County Manager on 1 December 1980 that an investigation into the administration of the planning code in the Borough of Dún Laoghaire should be carried out and that a full report on the investigation should be submitted to me as soon as possible. The manager furnished an interim report on 20 January in which he indicated that efforts were being made to obtain information as to specific matters which should be investigated. My Department were notified by letter of 26 March that a particular officer of the corporation had been suspended. That matter is being pursued in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Acts.
My direction to the city and county manager did not confine the investigations to such an issue and I would expect them to cover all relevant aspects. I expect to receive a further report from the manager when investigations are complete. My approach to this matter takes proper account of the functions and responsibilities of the city and county manager and is in accord with practice.