asked the Minister for the Environment when he last met the General Council of County Councils; in respect of such a meeting if he will indicate (i) the number of people who were present, (ii) the length of time for which the meeting took place, (iii) the items which were discussed and (iv) any decision which arose from the meeting which has subsequently given rise to new policy developments or proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - General Council of County Councils.
5.
My last formal meeting with a deputation from the County Council's General Council took place on 24 February 1988. The meeting was attended by seven representatives of the General Council and I was accompanied by three officials of my Department. The meeting lasted about two hours.
The principal matters discussed included local government finance, certain aspects of housing, toxic waste and pollution, the establishment of the National Roads Authority and the general role and status of local bodies.
The meeting was not directed towards specific decisions in particular areas. Rather, its principal purpose was an exchange of information and views over a fairly wide range of ongoing activities.
The meeting was business-like, useful and constructive and the views advanced by the General Council representatives have been of great assistance to me in considering policy development in the areas concerned.
On 6 March 1989 I received a request from the General Council for a meeting to discuss a range of matters. I will be responding positively to them within the next few days.
I would like to thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply but in view of the fact that the majority of the local authority councils are controlled by his own party and in view of his reluctance to meet them for over a year, is he aware that their manifest dissatisfaction with the state of affairs is a cause for concern? Can he, therefore, indicate in response to this specific request for a meeting which he received on 6 March when he proposes to meet them, and, in particular — if I am in order — if he will accede to their request to have on the board of the National Roads Authority a nominee or a representative of local authorities so appointed?
We are having an extension of the question now.
I am not reluctant at all to meet them. In fact I am awaiting the final arrangements about our next meeting and I think it can be concluded inside a few days. I have indicated my willingness on that. So far as National Roads Authority legislation is concerned, it is promised and it is receiving urgent attention. I think the Deputy is aware of that.
When the Minister met the General Council of County Councils was a decision not made that he would meet them again with his response to the discussions he had?
What they said on that occasion was that they would like to see me on a regular basis. They sought a meeting some time ago——
That is right. The Minister should go to the back of his brief to see all the other requests for meetings.
I do not have to do that. It was not possible to meet them at that time but I conveyed my interest in meeting them without delay. I have a letter requesting a meeting and it will be responded to within the week.