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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Government Legislation.

Question:

236 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the necessary regulations under the last Local Government Act will be in place to allow members of the public to attend all meetings of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29482/01]

Section 45 of the Local Government Act, 2001 confers a statutory right of public attendance at meetings of the full council; at present only the media have such a right. Under these provisions, a local authority's right to meet "in committee" that is in private is limited to special circumstances and subject to special procedures. In addition, section 54 of the Act allows for the making of regulations by the Minister as regards access by the media and the public to meetings of committees of a local authority.

The provisions of the Local Government Act, 2001 are being brought into operation on a phased basis by way of a series of commencement orders as necessary preparations are completed. The first commencement order was made last month and laid before both Houses. A substantial number of further provisions will be commenced with effect from 1 January 2002 and the necessary commencement order and regulations will be made shortly.

It is intended that the sections dealing with meetings and proceedings of local authorities will be among a further set of provisions to follow these. They have been scheduled to come into operation by April 2002 so as to allow time for local authorities to adopt new standing orders in accordance with the requirements of the Act. Local authorities have already been informed of this time schedule.

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