asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has given notice of an inquiry into the manner in which the Urban District Council of Listowel has conducted the business of the council; whether he will state what are the grounds for the inquiry; and whether the terms of reference will allow inquiry over the period from 1928 to 1934.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Listowel Urban District Council.
The inquiry to be held into the manner in which the Urban District Council of Listowel has conducted its business is an inquiry under Section 72 of the Local Government Act, 1925. The inquiry arises mainly from: (1) the present financial embarrassment of the council which appears to have unfavourable effects on local services including housing; (2) the nature of the proceedings at council meetings as reported in the Press. Terms of reference are not admissible, and the matters to be allowed in evidence are for the judgment of the inspector in charge of the inquiry.
Mr. Lynch
Arising out of the reply of the Parliamentary Secretary, I should like to know, is the real reason for holding this inquiry an effort to prevent the Urban Council from getting a judicial decision on matters outstanding between it and certain Departments of State, including the Parliamentary Secretary's own Department?
I am not aware of that.
Mr. Lynch
Well, Sir, in view of the reply of the Parliamentary Secretary, I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.