asked the Minister for the Environment if the examination of the local government structures in the Dublin area has yet been completed; if so, when any of the recommendations will be published; and if any changes will be implemented before the next local government elections.

Examination of local government structures as a whole is proceeding. This is a complex matter and it is not possible at this stage to say when the examination will be completed, but there will be no avoidable delay in bringing forward proposals.

I was under the impression from circulars issued by the Department and the Minister to local authorities and Dublin City Council that a separate discussion was taking place in regard to the structures in Dublin city and county. I am sure the Minister will agree that there are special administrative difficulties in Dublin city and county concerning housing, roads, water and sewerage schemes and that they are creating great problems. Has the Minister made any special study in regard to the administrative difficulties of Dublin city and county and Dún Laoghaire?

I take the Deputy's point in regard to the need for reorganisation in the Dublin area; the same need does not exist in rural Ireland. We are looking at the question of reform in the Dublin area. Due to the rapid growth in the city we are considering such matters as the unsatisfactory nature of the existing boundaries between the three main authorities, the need for effective coordination in the provision of services throughout the metropolitan area, and the need to establish a local government presence in local communities, particularly in the three western towns of Tallaght, Clondalkin and Blanchardstown.

When can we expect the result of those studies? When will we hear the result of the studies which have been carried out? Will the results be available before the local elections take place next May or June? Will those elections be held next May or June?

It is not possible to say when the investigations will be completed but there will not be any delay by the Department. As things stand the date for the local elections is June next year and I do not see any reason to change that at the moment.

Will the local elections be held within the existing structure, if they are to be held in June next year?

Considering the complexity of the rearrangement of local government structures it would be difficult to have the necessary reform completely in situ before June of next year. Obviously, the present structures will have to apply.