Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for attending but in respect of the response, which I know comes from the Department, my query should not be beyond answer. I am disappointed, therefore, that the Minister of State was not provided with an answer because my question is very basic. Unlike any other county in this Republic, under the law of the land, there are separate health and administrative districts for north, south and west Cork with their own council divisional headquarters, managers and individual structures. We are told that each county is to have at least 18 councillors under the new provision. The three divisions within Cork are treated as singular counties to all intents and purposes.

Could the Minister of State arrange for my question to be answered? It is not a matter of opinion because I am not advocating for or against. I simply want to know what the legal position is because north Cork, south Cork and west Cork are all legal entities. If they are to remain as legal entities, that will have a dramatic impact on what the committee can or cannot do for County Cork. I asked a colleague of mine in the other House to table a question but he was unable to get clear, precise information.

I ask the Minister of State to take my question to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and arrange for us to get the factual answer next week to the question of whether north, west and south Cork will remain the separate entities they legally are with their managers, divisional engineers and directors of services. Once we know that, we can then make submissions about reconfigurating the council areas. It is crucial that we receive that information because there is no point in us making submissions until we know how County Cork is being treated. I would appreciate if the Minister for State could arrange for the Minister to either make a decision or clarify any decision that has already been made in respect of County Cork. I appreciate the Minister of State's answer but my question still requires a full and precise answer.