Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 828: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of formal meetings held with Oireachtas Members, as indicated in the Statutes, following the abolition of the dual mandate, by each local authority in each year since such a requirement came into effect. [28065/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with regulations which came into operation on 1 August 2003, the Cathaoirleach and manager of each city/county council is obliged to meet at least once every year with the relevant Parliamentary representatives as a group. It is a matter for each local authority concerned to make the arrangements for such meetings.

The following table outlines the information supplied by each city and county council in respect of meetings held in accordance with the above requirements. I further understand that arrangements are in place in a number of authorities to hold a further round of group meetings with the relevant Parliamentary representatives over the next few months, and that many managers continue, as a matter of course, to meet regularly on an informal basis with Oireachtas members to keep them updated on local developments.

My officials have just completed a review of the practical operation of these arrangements at local authority level, and I will be studying the findings of the Review with a view to issuing supplementary guidance to local authorities if required.