Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the degree to which he has satisfied himself that the commitment given to the House by a predecessor during the passage of legislation to abolish the dual mandate, to the effect that Oireachtas Members would continue to have access to the local authority institutions in line with that then in existence, the discussions he has had with the local authorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15589/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003, provide, inter alia, for the supply of specified documentation to Oireachtas Members by the local authority such as the local authority budget, draft development plan, etc. It is a matter for each local authority to deal with requests for access to information by a parliamentary representative as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with a proper level of customer service. In this regard, local authorities are required to put in place arrangements to ensure that systems, procedures and time frames equivalent to those used by them in regard to correspondence from local authority members also apply in respect of parliamentary representatives. Managers are required to meet at least annually with local Oireachtas Members to provide an opportunity for an update on developments and for any difficulties encountered to be raised and addressed.

My Department has gathered information from local authorities on a periodic basis on the practical application of the arrangements established by the regulations. Based on the information received, I understand that local authorities are generally complying with these arrangements. I will continue to monitor compliance by local authorities with the regulations.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. Arising from the commitment by a previous Minister to the House during the passage of the legislation referred to in the question wherein he indicated the desirability of interaction between Oireachtas Members and local authority members with a view to keeping a united approach on the issues likely to arise in local authority areas, could the Minister further indicate whether it might be desirable to review the extent to which the commitment is being carried out to date, and that we do not have a situation of a dwindling line of correspondence between the Oireachtas and local authorities?

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Deputy's concern. I have not received any representations about a problem in that regard. If Deputy Durkan has information to that effect I would be pleased to receive it to ensure compliance with the operation of the regulations as set out in the legislation. I understand local authorities are responsible for delivering a range of essential services to the public. It is important that public representatives are kept fully informed, including Oireachtas Members. The intention of the regulation is that at least one meeting a year is held but that does not confine managers to having only one. Most managers have more than one meeting. If there is a general problem with the Kildare County Council area I would be pleased to receive details from the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I was not referring to Kildare in particular.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I do not know where Deputy Durkan was referring to if it was not Kildare.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I was thinking about Kilkenny.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I will look after Kilkenny.