asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the work in hand in the Department on local government reorganisation in the Dublin region; and the progress that has been made.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government Reform.
21.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will confirm a report in the media (details supplied) that a number of new, locally-elected bodies will be in existence in time for the local elections in June next year when members will be voted on to them; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
23.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement outlining proposed changes in the structure of local authorities in County Dublin.
24.
asked the Minister for the Environment the progress that has been made so far on plans for local government reform; if it is intended that a White Paper will be issued on the subject; and if so, when it will be published.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 22, 23 and 24 together. Examination of local government reform is proceeding in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government 1981-86 and the statement made in December 1983 announcing the intended postponement of the local elections for a year to facilitate the process. Reform in Dublin is particularly important and raises particularly complex issues. The various options that have been put forward over the years have to be assessed in all their implications and this is going on together with consultations with the associations representing the members of local authorities.
As is made clear in the report referred to by Deputy Molloy, decisions have not yet been taken by the Government. It is not possible, therefore, to make a more definitive statement at this stage regarding the proposals on the form of publication. It remains the aim of the Government in relation to the review that everything possible will be done to bring matters to a conclusion in the time allowed by the postponement of the local elections.
Will the Minister of State tell the House if the review includes provision for organising local authority finances and the finance-raising powers that will be remitted to the local authorities arising out of the review?
As I indicated previously, as well as administrative reforms there will have to be local government financial reforms also.
Is it the Minister's intention to issue a White Paper on this instead of a Bill?
It is not my intention to issue a White Paper as that would cause further delays and we want to get on with the job of reform. The Bill will enable people inside and outside the House to make comments. It will be comprehensive so that if Deputies require changes which are in the interests of the public that will be done. If we introduced a White Paper the Bill would not be passed by next year.
Does the Minister therefore agree that the Bill is likely to be introduced in January next, as the Taoiseach indicated? If so as debate will also be taking place on the budget, the Finance Bill and other legislation, will it be passed in time to hold local elections in June next year?
It would be an ideal Bill to be examined by a committee but, in any event we hope to get the legislation through — not in the sense of pushing it through because there needs to be dialogue and consultation — but we hope it will be through in time for the local elections next year.
Local Government and urban reform is a very complex area. Does the Minister seriously suggest that that is the type of Bill that should go to a committee and that it could be done by next June? Would it not be better to have a public debate rather than discuss it in committee?
The nitty-gritty is done on Committee Stage and any Bill of that nature benefits from the committee system. The Taoiseach and Members on this side of the House are very anxious to have this legislation passed in time for the local elections next year. We are interested in reform.
(Interruptions.)
The interruptions are a clear indication that that side of the House are not interested in reform.
In view of the fact that the election is being held tomorrow, I wish to raise on the Adjournment the clear breach of section 8 (a) of the European Assembly Elections Free Postal Regulations, 1979, by the Fine Gael Party if the Minister for Communications has not consented to a change——
The Deputy has given me notice and I will communicate with Deputy Mac Giolla.
In view of the fact that 2,713 gardaí have been reported to be left without postal ballots——
The Deputy tried to raise this by way of Private Notice Question.
Yes, and your ruling was that it is not a function for the Minister but since the Minister sends the men on duty tomorrow——
The Chair rules this question out of order and he cannot allow it.
It is a very important question——
As it is such an important question it does not make sense to raise it when it does not come under Standing Orders.
It is important that the Minister should tell the House——
Deputy Woods is being disorderly.
In a very good cause.
The Deputy will resume his seat.
May I raise on the Adjournment the crisis in the programme of itinerant resettlement in Tallaght, County Dublin?
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy. The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.