Does the Minister accept that it is difficult to understand the Government's timetable in regard to implementing reforms in local authorities? They have been in office for two years and we have not seen their proposals although the Minister and the Taoiseach have stated that it is proposed to have all these changes implemented so that the local authority election in June 1985 will be held on the basis of the new structures. Can the Minister explain how he expects that time scale to be implemented when he has not even entered into discussions with one section which is going to be very seriously affected by these changes?

The Taoiseach indicated to the House that, after the Government had taken decisions in regard to local government reorganisation, a statement would be made about the proposed approach to the reconstruction.

The Minister will have to accept that his answers are very inadequate and will cause much concern with regard to the intentions of the Government. One wonders whether there is any intention to hold the local government elections in 1985 and if there is a ploy to organise another postponement.