Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an audit to check the responsiveness of local authorities to representations made by the Houses of the Oireachtas Members since the ending of the dual mandate will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23667/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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 local authority budget, draft development plan etc. In addition, equivalent systems, procedures and timeframes to those used in relation to correspondence from local authority members apply also in respect of Oireachtas Members.

As indicated in earlier replies to Questions on this topic, I am concerned that local authorities should at all times facilitate parliamentary representatives, in both the spirit and the letter of the regulations in relation to the timely provision of local authority documentation to members of the Oireachtas carrying out their work on behalf of local communities.

My officials have been engaged in gathering information from local authorities on the practical application of the arrangements to date and arising from this, I will, if necessary issue supplementary guidance to local authorities taking account of the responses on the matter.