Vol. 499 No. 2
14 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes to bring in amending legislation to allow the chairpersons of Oireachtas committees to stand for election to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2071/99]
I am considering the whole question of the Oireachtas-local authority dual mandate in the context of comprehensive legislation which is in preparation as part of the Government's programme for the renewal of local government. It is the intention that this legislation will, inter alia, provide for the elimination of the dual mandate for all Members from a future date so as to provide adequate advance notice for all concerned.
In the interim I am reviewing the current statutory arrangements as regards the chairs of Oireachtas committees which are set out in the Local Government Act, 1994, and which would otherwise apply for the forthcoming local elections. Under that Act the chairs of specified committees and joint committees are not disqualified while others are. These disqualifications will be removed pending the elimination of the dual mandate pursuant to the comprehensive legislation to which I have referred. The required legislative measures affecting the 1994 Act disqualifications will be brought forward as soon as possible prior to the local elections.
