asked the Minister for the Environment if he has as yet received the report of the investigations concerning certain allegations made against a member of the staff of the Corporation of Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

An interim report from the local authority has been received in my Department in this case and a copy of the report has been forwarded to the staff member concerned for any observations he may wish to offer. When an officer of a local authority is suspended under section 27 of the Local Government Act, 1941, it is established practice for the manager to forward a report of the results of his investigations with a recommendation as to the disciplinary action, if any, to be taken in the case. The suspended officer is then given an opportunity to state his case. The statements of both sides are fully considered and such further observations as are considered necessary may be sought from either or both parties before the case is finally decided. In the present circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy, it would be entirely inappropriate for me to make any statement in the matter at this stage.

In due course when these decisions come down, will the report be published?

That will be a matter for the local authority concerned. It is a matter for the Minister to consider all aspects of the case at this point. I do not think it is usual practice to publish such reports.

Would the Minister not agree that, with a view to allaying public concern, reports on matters of this kind should be published?

I do not think the Minister would like to commit himself to that view at this stage. Perhaps later that question could come up and be given consideration.