asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether the local elections will be held this year; and, if so, whether he will indicate the approximate date.

I had hoped to be in a position to submit legislative proposals for the introduction of the managerial system to county administration before holding local elections in this year. It has not been possible to do so within the time available and, in the circumstances, I am satisfied that it would not be desirable to postpone the local elections for a further period. The elections will, therefore, be held in the present year towards the end of June.

If the Minister is determined to introduce a Bill dealing with the extension of the managerial system in rural Ireland which, I think, we will certainly all heartily welcome, will he not consider further the desirability of postponing the local elections, or is his mind irrevocably made up to hold them this year? It seems foolish to have the expense of holding local elections this year if, on the passage of a Bill, entirely different bodies will be required to carry on local representation.

Representations have been made from all parts of the country that the local elections, which have been postponed for the past five years, should be held.

No one knew until to-day that the Minister had a Bill in draft altering the system of local elections, and I cannot conceive any rational man wanting to hold local elections this year, and local elections again next year, if the terms of the Bill made it necessary.

Is it the intention where local authorities are at present being administered by commissioners that elections will be held?

Everywhere.

But surely the Minister will at least keep open his mind on this matter for representations in the light of the announcement he has made to-day?

I am quite prepared to hear any representations.

Will the Minister say if his reply to-day refers to the election for the County Borough of Dublin?

Yes.