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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1970

Vol. 250 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Buchanan Report.

227.

asked the Minister for Local Government if the Government have yet taken any decisions on the recommendations contained in the Buchanan Report; and, if so, with what decision.

236.

asked the Minister for Local Government when he expects to be able to announce Government policy with respect to the Buchanan Report received by him two and a quarter years ago.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 236 together.

I would refer the Deputies to the replies I gave to Questions No. 73 on the 12th of last month and No. 31 on the 24th of the same month in which I explained what has been done, and what is being done, in accordance with the Government policy statement of May, 1969, dealing with the Buchanan Report. I have nothing further to say in the matter at present.

Am I correct in believing that the gist of the Minister's statement is that he is engaging in consultations with various people and that he will not take a decision until those consultations are completed?

The position is that each of the regions has been requested to prepare a report and we are waiting for those reports before we make any decisions.

I know the Minister does not want to rush this but how long does he anticipate the process will take?

We requested those regions to have their reports ready by early 1971 but from indications it is evident we are not now going to get them early next year. I have pressed each of the regions to expedite work on the preparation of these reports. It is very important to the Government for the continuation of their policy to have these reports available. There was some difficulty in some of the regions thrashing out representation and other minor matters which delayed the committees in getting down to the real work which they were asked to do. I am satisfied that work is now proceeding. There is nothing further I can tell the Deputy until I have received the completed reports from each of the regions.

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