asked the Minister for Local Government what boroughs he proposes to divide into electoral areas; and when such division is likely to be put into effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electoral Areas.
32.
I propose to divide the County Borough of Limerick into electoral areas shortly. The position with regard to the division of other boroughs is as indicated in my reply to a similar question on 2nd instant.
The Minister divided Limerick very well.
I hope the Deputy likes it.
Would the Minister say what boroughs are under consideration for subdivision?
I would say there are actively under consideration not only boroughs but all areas with a population of 10,000 and over.
All corporation boroughs, anyway?
Yes.
Some urban council areas?
Possibly.
Would the Minister say when the local elections will be held?
During the year.
The Minister should not be so smart. He was accusing Deputy Ryan a while ago.
It is contagious.
Would the Minister say if there are any consultations with the local people and, if so, whether the local people are the officials or the elected representatives?
There have been certain consultations between my advisers and some of the council officials who would be concerned in the matter of the compilation of registers for elections generally. Furthermore, in regard to all proposals for divisions, although not required by law or regulation to do so, I will do as I did in Cork, that is, before making any actual divide, I will send the proposed scheme of division to the particular council or corporation concerned.
I do not know whether the Minister is doing this or not but I have reason to believe some of the Fianna Fáil representatives are being consulted. We do not want a gerrymander.
Absurd.
Will the Minister say whether or not the local planning authority will be consulted before the final acceptance of this plan?
I will continue to show the courtesy shown to Cork and, although not required by law to do so, I will submit proposed schemes to the authorities concerned for their observations.
After consultation with the cumann?
I defy any Deputy to produce an alternative scheme that would be accepted unanimously by his council, no matter what council it is.
When the Minister has the observations of the local authority, will he accept those observations or will he make the decision himself?
If I get unanimous observations from any Council, I shall certainly give them due consideration.
Surely the Minister is aware he could not possibly get a unanimous decision when the Fianna Fáil Party in Limerick divided it. We all know the Minister for Health divided Limerick.
Deputy Coughlan has put his finger on the button. No matter who divides what territory, there will not be unanimity about it, even within one's own Party.
Is the Minister prepared to accept the majority decision of the planning authority with regard to any decision made?
Provided it is a sane decision.
They are all insane in Limerick, so, except the Fianna Fáil group?