I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 5 together.
As Deputies will be aware the Programme for Government included a proposal to establish an Oireachtas committee — an all party committee — to examine and report on the general question of local government reorganisation. Unfortunately not all political parties were willing to contribute to the proposed committee which presented a means of dealing with the question. All are aware of the need for local government reorganisation and reform; it is a question which has been considered by successive Governments over the years but little has happened.
With the failure to establish the proposed Oireachtas committee the Government decided to bring forward and implement proposals for reorganisation. A statement issued by the Government Information Service on 5 April outlined the Government's intentions in this regard. A copy of that statement has been placed in the Oireachtas library.
The overall objective is to strengthen local democracy and to devolve additional functions to local authorities where practicable. What is needed now is action to secure progress. The Government have accordingly appointed a special Government committee for the purpose of making recommendations on the structures and functions of local government; to consider the regional dimension; the criteria on which the contribution from central funds to local authorities should be made on a statutory basis; the operation of aspects of the Planning Acts including "section 4"; and other relevant matters including reserved/managerial functions and the general powers of local authorities. A committee of experts is in the process of being established to assist in this task. Related matters such as the question of local government in Dublin are being considered in the context of the overall reform proposals.
The intention is that the necessary legislation will be put in place in time for the local elections in 1991 and the arrangements to which I have referred are designated to achieve this end.