Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

In the programme for Government and in the renewed programme for Government, there was a commitment to publish the White Paper on Local Government. Has it been presented to Cabinet? It was due to be published at the end of 2008. When will it be published?

Have the heads of the Bill in regard to a directly elected mayor for Dublin been brought to Cabinet? I understand it is not likely to be published until early in the new year. That means it will not be law until March which is quite close to when the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would like to have the election. What progress is being made on that?

Will the Taoiseach bring forward the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Bill to allow for all State agencies, including the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, to be brought under proper financial remit and accountability?

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