Vol. 404 No. 7
6 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the terms of reference of the committee on the review of local government which is now taking place; the timetable for this review to take place and for its results to be published; and if he can give an undertaking to Dáil Éireann that the report resulting from this review will be published.
7 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment when he will publish the findings of the Commission on the Reform of Local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
40 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment (a) if the next local elections will be held on new local government structures and if the promised legislation for these new structures will be enacted before the elections; (b) the recommendations which have been made by the committee of experts and (c) if he will publish the report of the committee of experts.
43 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his proposals on the future of urban councils and town commissioners.
82 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans to upgrade some or all of the country's town commissioners to the status of urban councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
149 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment the reason the town of Cahir, County Tipperary does not have an urban council; if he intends to designate the town of Cahir for an urban council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7, 40, 43, 82 and 149 together.
The Government's approach to local government reorganisation, including the terms of reference and timetable for reform, were outlined in a statement issued by the Government Information Services on 5 April 1990. A copy of the statement is available in the Oireachtas Library. I would also refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 13, 28 and 49, on 28 November 1990, regarding the timing of the report of the expert advisory committee.
The advisory committee completed their report just before Christmas. This is being considered by the Cabinet subcommittee who will complete their deliberations and report to the Government shortly. Decisions in relation to reform proposals will then be a matter for the Government. The question of publication of the report of the advisory committee will also be a matter for the Government to consider in the context of such decisions.
It would be premature to comment on possible proposals, including proposals in relation to existing sub-county authorities, before the review is completed. The implementation process will begin as soon as possible after the Government have finalised the reorganisation programme and the objective will be to bring forward appropriate legislative proposals in the present session.
I seek clarification of what the Minister said. He said that the legislation will be introduced before June, the month the local elections are due to be held. Will the Minister confirm to the House that the local elections will go ahead in June?
I can confirm what the Taoiseach gave by way of information to the Dáil last week, that it will be necessary to introduce legislation in this matter and it is the intention to introduce it before June. I might add that several pieces of legislation may be required but, as I said, the initial legislation will be introduced before June.
I want to press the Minister on this point. Is it intended to proceed with the local elections in June bearing in mind that it would be difficult enough to get even one piece of legislation through before that date?
Obviously, we are having repetition.
I did not get an answer.
Let us proceed to another question.
The local elections are scheduled to take place this year. The Government have not taken any decision other than that at this time.
Let us proceed to other questions, please.
As there are some minutes of priority time left, may I ask the Minister to tell the House whether he is considering bringing a motion or amending legislation before the House to defer the date of the local elections?
I am only repeating myself but I suppose I had better say again——
The Minister is saying nothing.
——that the Government have not taken any decision on this matter.
Fudged again.
As I said, the local elections are scheduled to take place in June.
May I ask the Minister——
Sorry, the luxury of repetition is something we cannot have at Question Time.
Will the Minister give an answer?
I am proceeding to other questions now.
May I ask a final supplementary?
Yes, providing it is not repetitious.
May I ask the Minister if provision has been made in his Estimate for this year for the costs of the local elections?
The Deputy is seeking to circumvent the ruling of the Chair.
I am seeking information.
Question No. 8, please.
I suggest that that is a separate question. As the Deputy knows full well, the question of funding such elections is a matter for the local authorities.
I have called Question No. 8.
