asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline any plans he may have for the establishment of an inner city development authority for the revitalisation of the Dublin inner city area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Inner City Development.
6.
I have no plans at present for the establishment of an inner city development authority for Dublin inner city area.
However, review of local government organisation in the Dublin area forms part of the examination of local government structures generally which is proceeding in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government 1981 to 1986. Decisions as to specific lines of reform have not yet been taken by the Government, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this stage.
Would the Minister not accept that the absence of a plan for an inner city development authority would seem to contradict everything that he has just said about——
That is argument, Deputy.
The Minister has stated that he views the problems of the inner city as a matter of urgency. Surely he will agree that it is necessary to have a development authority to respond to these problems. Would the Minister not agree that the absence of any such plans would seem to indicate that the Government are not concerned about the problems of the inner city?
I must draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that that is not a question. It is an argument more suitable for another time in the House or perhaps outside it.
I hope that the question is not too embarrassing for the Minister——
It is not.
The Deputy should not imply what he has just implied. It is clear that the Deputy is making an argument, and an argument is not in order at Question Time. It is as simple as that. There is nothing sinister and no mystery about it.
I am asking the Minister, with the Chair's permission, if the Government are concerned at the enormity of the social problems in Dublin's inner city.
That was not what the Deputy said. The Deputy is switching his feet now. He was putting it another way a couple of moments ago.
I am asking that question. The Minister has already answered saying that the Government are concerned, but then followed up with a further reply stating that the Government are doing nothing about it.
That is where the argument comes into it.
Could I ask the Minister precisely what plans the Government have to respond to the needs of people in the inner city areas of Dublin?
That is a question.
I have already indicated that the Government have plans for a new system of local government and are considering, in accordance with the Government programme, a reform of the whole local government area, including the Corporation of Dublin. It is imperative that any new system be more efficient in dealing with issues which affect the whole metropolitan area and be more democratic in responding to the needs and concerns of local communities. It is hoped that details will be submitted to Government in the very near future on the progress in the reform of local government. I am concerned that within the corporation area a totally democratic institution be laid down where the problems of any particular sector of that local authority will be dealt with within the terms of the totality of the local authority area and in the proper forms. The Deputy should accept that within that review the inner city will be obviously considered when the plans go to Government about reform of local government.
When does the Minister envisage that the new structure which he has mentioned will come into operation?
I would hope to have the plans before the Government before the end of the year.
When will they come into operation?
That will be a decision for Government and the House.