asked the Minister for the Environment if local government reform was part of the "Fine Gael/Labour Programme for Government — December 1982".
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government Reform.
9.
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to Question No. 21 of 24 January 1984, the present examination of local government structures is in accordance with a commitment given in the Joint Programme for Government 1981-1986.
There is nothing inconsistent with this in the December 1982 programme.
Is the Minister not aware that the Government's programme for 1981 fell by the board with the fall of the Government of the time and that the question related to the programme for Government of this Government of which he is Minister for the Environment? May we have a straight answer to the question on the Order Paper, please?
I have given an adequate answer to the question. There is no inconsistency in carrying out local government reform in so far as this Government are concerned.
The matter is becoming very confusing as a result of the changes of Government in recent years, but are we to take it that elements of the 1981 Programme for Government are also part of the policy of the Government who have been in office since 1982?
This aspect is part of the joint programme. It has always been considered in that light. It is regrettable that the Deputy was not present in Limerick when we discussed the matter.
How are we to know which elements are part of the programme and which are not?
I am calling Question No. 10.