Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 566: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason replies are not issuing from certain sections of a local authority (details supplied); and if he will intervene in this matter. [7615/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 567: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason replies are not issuing from a specific engineer on queries raised (details supplied); the steps he will take to improve answerability of local authorities to Oireachtas Members. [7616/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 566 and 567 together.

It is a matter for each local authority to deal with requests for access to information by a parliamentary representative as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with a proper level of customer service. In this regard local authorities are required to put in place arrangements to ensure that systems, procedures and time frames equivalent to those used by them in relation to correspondence from local authority members also apply in respect of parliamentary representatives.

My Department has gathered information from local authorities on the practical application of the arrangements for the supply of specified information to Oireachtas members under the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003. Based on the information received, I understand that local authorities are, for the most part, complying with these arrangements. I am continuing to review this matter in the light of concerns raised by members of the Oireachtas regarding the service they receive in relation to these matters from certain local authorities and, if necessary, will issue supplementary guidance to local authorities reminding them of the need to provide a reasonable level of service for Oireachtas members and facilitate them in carrying out their work on behalf of local communities.