andMr. Corish asked the Minister for Local Government if it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to any of the recommendations in the White Paper on Local Government Reorganisation before the local elections in June, 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government Reorganisation.
53.
As indicated in the White Paper on Local Government Reorganisation, it would be desirable that any major structural changes which are decided on should be brought into operation by the date of the local elections which, under existing law, are due to be held in June, 1972. It is intended, therefore, to make every effort to achieve this.
Are we to assume from the Minister's reply that there is a greater chance of the local elections being postponed than there is of legislation being introduced before 1972?
It would be wrong for the Deputy to draw any conclusions other that what is stated in the reply. The question of postponing local elections is not even being considered at the moment. I stated in the White Paper that I was anxious to get opinions, criticisms or any comments by various members of the community before the end of April. That may not be practicable in effect, but I did it with the express intention of indicating to the community at large my anxiety to proceed as quickly as possible with whatever restructuring is finally proposed.
I noticed the Minister's wording which did not suggest what I stated.
The Minister is learning every day about the wily ways of Deputy Tully.