Bernard J. Durkan
Question:390 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is Government policy to abolish the dual mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24265/02]
Written Answers. - Dual Mandate.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:391 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of Government Deputies likely to be affected in the event of the abolition of the dual mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/02]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:392 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is his intention to abolish the dual mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24267/02]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:393 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way he proposes to deal with the ongoing issue of the dual mandate in respect of membership of local authorities by Oireachtas Members; the nature of the discussions which have taken place in regard to this issue and with whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24268/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 to 393, inclusive, together.
As regards the issue of disqualification from local authority membership, I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 9, 15 and 47 of 28 November. Matters relating to the dual mandate were among these raised and discussed with me on 24 October 2002 by a deputation from the General Council of County Councils. From information available to my Department, I understand that 39 local authority members are also Members of Dáil Éireann who belong to the parties in Government.