asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself with the local government structures in Dublin city and county; if he has any plans to reform them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Local Government Structures.
35.
Over the years, there has been a measure of dissatisfaction with the local government structures in Dublin city and county especially in view of the large-scale developments and population growth in the area. The Deputy will be aware that the matter had been under examination by my predecessors and that, in order to assist in this examination, the local authorities in the area have themselves been preparing recommendations.
I would hope to bring examination of the matter to a conclusion as speedily as possible with a view to developing proposals aimed at effecting a real improvement in local government in the area.
In view of the extraordinary confusion which has arisen with the rapid expansion of Dublin city into the county and the different planning criteria which the county have, could the Minister say if we will have a review before the end of the year, before the next local government election or when does he hope to have this finalised?
I am very committed to the reforms to which the Deputy refers. He is probably aware that the Labour Party have published very detailed proposals for the restructuring of the local government system in the Dublin area——
Not so——
The only detailed proposals——
I am sure the Minister is speaking on behalf of the Coalition Government, not for the Labour Party?
As I was saying, I am sure the Deputy is aware of the detailed proposals that the Labour Party have published in relation to this matter which covers an area that now extends to approximately 40 per cent of the population with probably about 60 per cent under 25. It is my intention, subject to Government agreement, to meet members of Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council to discuss in detail the options that are available and to do so as soon as possible. I would point out, however, that the initiative rests with Dublin County Council and Dublin Corporation and, to a lesser extent, Dún Laoghaire Borough Corporation.
Does the Minister's reply mean that Dublin City Council and Dublin County Council must approach the Department of the Environment for the next step?
My understanding is that both local authorities have been requested to examine and prepare proposals but I would not necessarily feel constrained to wait until those deliberations have been completed. Obviously, some of them will need to be completed in the light of overall changes in the structure of local government nationally and, therefore, I would be happy to meet members of both authorities to discuss this matter. I have already indicated to the Labour group in Dublin Corporation my willingness to do so. I am aware of the urgency of the matter and have written extensively about it.
Is the Minister aware that the other three major parties on Dublin City Council have also submitted proposals for the reorganisation of local government?
I was not so aware.
I am a member of one of the local authorities referred to——
Apparently we are dealing with all the local authorities so that will give a very wide scope indeed.
Do I take it from the Minister's reply that he intends to meet representatives of Dublin County Council, Dublin Corporation and Dún Laoghaire Corporation soon.
The most effective way to solve this, rather than sending pieces of paper to one another, is to have a substantial meeting, perhaps lasting for a day, and to discuss the implications of a restructuring of local government in the Dublin region. We should try to do that in sufficient time to implement whatever proposals we agree on for the 1984 local elections. I can assure the Deputy there will be no delay on the part of the Custom House in relation to this matter.
Have the Government delegated responsibility for this and other matters which the Minister is entering into commitments for here in reply to parliamentary questions? We very seldom hear from the Minister for the Environment in regard to a whole range of subjects for which we, on this side of the House, understood he was responsible. I have asked about this matter previously, I questioned the Taoiseach about it and I was assured that there was a division of responsibility in the Department. From the tone of replies which the Minister of State has been giving it seems he has been charged with responsibility but I am not aware that the Government have so designated this responsibility to him.
The Minister is replying on behalf of the Minister for the Environment.
I want you, a Cheann Comhairle, to understand what I am getting at. There is a question of designation of responsibility, of powers, to a Minister of State and I would like to know exactly what powers have been designated to Deputy Quinn, Minister of State.
That seems to be another question.
Perhaps the Minister would enlighten the House as it would assist us in our questioning of him.
It seems to be an entirely separate question.
It is an entirely separate question, a Cheann Comhairle, and if the Deputy would like to put down a question I will give him a detailed reply.