asked the Minister for Local Government whether he will be in a position to make, before 1st July, 1971, an order under section 76 (7) of the Local Government Act, 1946, changing the name of An Uaimh to Navan so that the change can be effected on 1st January, 1972; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Town Name.
110.
I hope to be in a position to announce a decision in this matter before the date referred to.
Can the Minister not be a little more explicit? After all, this is not a very difficult matter. As he saw today, one of his colleagues helped along the Minister for Labour when replying to a question from me in which he stated "It would not happen in Navan". Obviously he accepted what the majority of the people of Navan voted for. This is not a question of being for or against the Irish language as I am sure the Minister will appreciate. The original name of the town is nearer to Navan than An Uaimh.
I have indicated to the Deputy that I hope to be in a position to announce a decision before the date he has mentioned.
Surely the Minister will agree that it is not a question of the Minister or his officials having to sit down with wet towels round their heads for hours in order to decide on this matter? Eighty-five per cent of the people voted to change back to the old name and surely the Minister can answer the question by a simple "yes" or "no".
It is not as simple as that.
I know that when the matter is approached in the manner adopted by the Minister it is not simple. However, if democracy is to count for anything, surely the name should be changed on the vote of the people?