Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all city and county managers have met with their respective Oireachtas Members as required by law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22312/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There is a requirement under the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003, for each county or city manager to arrange to meet with local parliamentary representatives as a group at least annually. It is understood from informal inquiries made with local authorities that since the regulations came into force, all managers have met with some or all of their relevant parliamentary representatives. These meetings have generally been held in the specific manner envisaged by the regulations, although some have also been on an individual basis with Oireachtas Members.

As indicated in earlier replies to questions on this topic, I intend this year to obtain more detailed information from local authorities on the practical application of the scheme to date. Arising from this I will, if necessary, issue supplementary guidance to local authorities taking account of the responses on the matter and the need to ensure that the regulations are being adhered to by all local authorities.