John Bruton
Ceist:37 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to introduce regional authorities; and if these authorities will be in place in time to take part in drawing up the national development plan.
Written Answers. - Regional Authorities.
Proposals for the establishment of regional authorities, in accordance with the Programme for a Partnership Government, will be submitted for consideration by the Government as soon as possible. As it is necessary for the National Development Plan to be finalised in May, it is not likely that regional authorities will be in place in time to make an input. Regional input has, however, been provided by means of submissions which have been made to the Minister for Finance by each of the seven sub-regional review committees which comprise representatives of local authority members and managers, social partners and relevant Government Departments.