asked the Taoiseach which Minister within his Government is responsible for the co-ordination of urban development policy which would result in the provision of infrastructural needs such as telecommunications and public transport in the construction of housing estates and roads.

This would be under the aegis of the Minister for the Environment but only in a very general way because the local planning authority are the co-ordinating agency for such matters.

Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply, in the interests of communication could he elaborate on the way local authorities, in particular, are responsible for co-ordinating the activities of, say, the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and the Department of Transport and Tourism other than by way of simple communication?

Fundamentally they are the local planning authority. That is an indication of what their functions are in this respect. I understand that, in any event, it is a matter of practice that they consult with authorities such as the ESB and the Post Office in relation to infrastructural undertakings which such authorities would propose in their areas and vice versa. Obviously it is only with their co-operation and approval, and possibly with their permission in many cases, that these activities can be undertaken.

Do I understand that essentially there is no change as a result of either the creation of the Department of the Environment or the Department of Economic Planning and Development in the traditional role local authorities have undertaken with regard to the provision of urban services? Is that the extent of the Taoiseach's answer?

I think the answer speaks for itself in that respect.