asked the Minister for the Environment the measures he has taken to develop a more complete system of local government and to bring more meaning and more reality to local democracy and decision making, with local communities setting their own affairs within the framework of national policy as stated by him at a press conference on 30 May 1985.
Written Answers. - Local Government Reorganisation.
30.
The policy statement on the Reform of Local Government, which I issued on 30 May 1985, set out the measures which the Government propose to take to develop and strengthen the local government system. The Local Government (Reorganisation) Act, 1985, is the first stage of the legislation necessary to give effect to the programme, which — as indicated in the policy statement — will be implemented, or will be fully on the way to implementation, in the lifetime of this Government.
The reorganisation of the local government system in Dublin is intended to make that system more accessible and responsive by introducing smaller units at county level and new units at district level. The target date for the new system in Dublin is 1 January 1987.
Provision is being made for modification of the ultra vires principle so that local authorities may have greater discretion to promote the social and economic interests of local communities. This provision will be included in a further Bill to be brought forward in 1986 which will also give effect to a number of other commitments in the policy statement, including provision for new town councils to be established where they are needed and for town boundaries to be brought into line with present day populations.
The policy statement outlines the objectives in regard to the progressive devolution of functions to local authorities, either directly or on an agency basis. Devolution on the scale envisaged in the statement is a major undertaking. It will be implemented in stages, following examination of the organisational and procedural requirements and taking account of the need to avoid duplication and ensure that there will be no net addition to the cost of services. The necessary examinations, involving several Departments, have been going on under the supervision of the Minister for the Public Service as provided for in the policy statement. I expect that there will be an announcement in the near future on the measures to be taken in the initial phase, including measures relating to aspects of devolution from my own Department.
Finally, legislation is in preparation to reform and consolidate compulsory purchase legislation. There will be an easing of controls over local authorities in important aspects of acquisition and disposal and speedier and more effective provisions will be provided for compulsory acquisition. I expect this Bill to be ready in the first half of 1986.