Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that the commitments given to the Houses of the Oireachtas during the passage of legislation effecting the abolition of the dual mandate are being met and honoured in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36571/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the undertaking given to the Houses of the Oireachtas during the passage of legalisation abolishing the dual mandate, that Oireachtas Members would have continued and ready access to the local authorities is being honoured in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 364 together.

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. Managers are required to meet at least annually with local Oireachtas members and thus provide an opportunity for an update on developments and for any difficulties encountered to be raised and addressed. 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 carrying out their work on behalf of local communities.

I am, at present, considering issuing supplementary guidance to local authorities in the matter, in the light of practical experience with the operation of the arrangements to date.