asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends giving power to the local authorities to alleviate lengthy delays in his Department.
Written Answers. - Departmental Delays.
337.
It is assumed that the Deputy's question relates to the devolution of functions from my Department to local authorities.
I do not accept the Deputy's suggestion that there are lengthy delays in my Department. Consideration is, however, being given, in the context of the Government's commitment to modernising and strengthening the local government system, to the devolution of functions from Government Departments (including my Department) to local authorities. The scope for lessening central controls over local authorities is also being examined in this context.