Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister saying the Attorney General has confirmed to him that there is a conflict? I raise the question because I read about this in Foinse some months ago and several people who have dual membership of both contacted me. They are concerned that they might find themselves in a position where they will have to make a decision whether to remain as members of Údarás na Gaeltachta or the county council.

As the Minister will be aware, I brought a case to the High Court in regard to allowing Oireachtas Members stand in council elections. I did not pursue the matter to the Supreme Court but I continue to feel strongly about it and believe I was correct. Many of the Minister's colleagues tell me now they wish they had given me more support and that they had not let the legislation go through the Dáil but the legislation is now in place.

I seek clarity from the Minister on his own view and that of the Government, as it was he and his Government that introduced the dual mandate. Does the Minister believe we should have a dual mandate in respect of people being members of the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta and of a local authority? Is that contradictory to Government policy? Current Government policy is that one cannot be a Member of the Oireachtas while being a member of a county council. What is the Minister's thinking on that? The Minister is due to bring an Údarás na Gaeltachta Bill before the House. Will there be any references to this issue in that Bill?

See this speech in context