Vol. 426 No. 1
3 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Taoiseach the policy, if any, he has in regard to membership of local authorities by Ministers or Ministers of State; the names of the Ministers or Ministers of State who are still members of local authorities; if any deadline has been set for their resignations from these authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1991, no member of the Government or Minister of State is a member of a local authority.
Can the Taoiseach indicate the Government's policy in relation to these matters?
Was the Deputy listening to the answer? In accordance with the provisions of the local Government Act, 1991, no member of the Government or Minister of State is a member of a local authority. It is now a statutory provision, which was not the case previously.
My question asked what precisely was the Government's policy in relation to this matter. I realise what the statutory position is but the Government does not always pursue what is statutorily required.
That is an extension of the question.
I am amazed at the Deputy. The Government does not break the law.
