Vol. 374 No. 4
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will request the local authorities to suspend participation in trips abroad to various conferences in view of the low funding being made available; his views on whether the large number of persons travelling on those trips from the various local authorities is extravagant at this time; if this practice merits suspension or curtailment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
87.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will review the number of committees and sub-committees of each authority, especially local road committees, sheep dipping committees and monument committees; his views on whether there is merit in their continuation; and if so, his views on whether meetings are held too frequently and the committees largely over-represented; if he will recommend that each local authority reviews the position of each committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together. The issues raised in the Deputy's questions are matters for local authorities themselves. Since coming to office I have stressed the need for economy and efficiency in local authority operations generally, having regard to the current financial situation. The local authorities have not been left in any doubt in this regard and I am confident that the necessary response will be forthcoming from them.
