asked the Minister for the Environment if he is familiar with the terms of the Durning Report on Local Government organisation in the Dún Laoghaire borough area, County Dublin; and if he proposes to take any action on the matter, particularly in relation to the status and boundaries of the borough.

A copy of the report in question prepared by the late Councillor Durning was received in my Department recently from Dún Laoghaire Corporation accompanied by a request for the reception of a deputation from the corporation to discuss the future of the borough. The corporation's letter stated that a detailed submission in support of the proposals was being prepared for presentation to me at a later date. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the contents of the report at this stage.

May I take it that when the Minister gets the submission referred to he will consider sympathetically the reception of the delegation?

When I do I will certainly consider what is involved.

Will the reception of such a delegation be done without prejudice to the overall reform of local government in the Dublin region?

Yes.