Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 647: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that Members of the Oireachtas receive replies within a maximum two to three week period to representations on behalf of constituents to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14282/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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 local authorities such as the local authority budget, draft development plan etc. Under the Regulations, local authorities are required in addition, to put in place arrangements to ensure that systems, procedures and timeframes equivalent to those used by them in relation to correspondence from local authority members apply also in respect of Oireachtas members.

I am concerned to ensure that local authorities should at all times provide a proper level of service for Oireachtas members and facilitate them in carrying out their work on behalf of their communities.

A review of the operation of these arrangements is currently being conducted to ensure their effective implementation. Arising from this, I will, if necessary, issue supplementary guidance to local authorities. In the meantime, and as part of the review, my Department has written recently to each County/City Manager specifically reminding them of the requirements of the Regulations in this regard.