Noel Dempsey
Question:7 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to sign or ratify the Council of Europe Charter of Local Self-Government. [6338/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Council of Europe Charter of Local Self Government.
I am committed to the principles which underpin this charter which seeks to safeguard the position of local government as one of the pillars of democracy. The legal, constitutional and administrative implications are being examined in the light of recent changes in Irish law affecting local authorities and of current proposals in this area. It is my aim that signature and ratification should form part of the local government reform process and I intend to move towards this as quickly as possible.
I thank the Minister of State for his reply. He will excuse me if I smile wryly because this is the same answer given by Ministers since the charter was signed in 1985. As a member of a local authority I may have attended the conference at which it was ratified.
Does the Deputy want to know the previous signatures?
The Government should sign this charter irrespective of how inconvenient it may be for central government or the Minister for the Environment. Has the Minister a timetable or must we wait until the full package of local government reform is in place before any move is made? As I understand it, the only study being carried out relates to financing local authorities. Is it necessary to wait until this is finished before ratifying the charter?
There is no question about the principle of signing and ratifying the charter. However, there are a number of processes relating to the reform of local government. As set out in the programme, A Government of Renewal, Bunreacht na hÉireann will be reviewed by a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. T. K. Whitaker. The professional study on local government funding will be followed by a White Paper. The devolution committee will examine widening the role of local authorities as recommended by Barrington, on which there will be an announcement shortly. Currently, the committee on the town local government system is working quietly and effectively and will produce a report to the Department shortly.
Lest the impression be given that Ireland is unique in relation to non-ratification of this treaty, countries such as Belgium, France, Switzerland and the UK have not ratified it. Some other countries did not ratify it for many years. We are not unique and we are working effectively towards signature.
I am aware of what the Minister has stated in relation to other countries that have not ratified the charter. Will the Minister agree that in most of these countries, with the possible exception of the UK, the system of local government is what it should be — local and government? In the course of the review will the Minister ensure that a guarantee is given, based on the charter, that central government will not be able to impose responsibilities on local government without providing the necessary finance? This is a crime which has been committed down through the years. That is one principle that should be included.
As I have said already, both the devolution of powers and the question of funding will be examined. We will be dealing as quickly as possible with the question of signature and ratification of the treaty. There should be definite movement in the direction of signing the treaty by the end of the year.
Bearing in mind what has been said by the previous speaker, we have the weakest system of local government of all the member states of the European Union. Will the Minister accept that more and more people will consider all government in this country to be less meaningful and relevant unless and until local government is radically revitalised? Will he put a timeframe on the publication of the White Paper on funding for local government? Unless we address the central issue of funding we will never have strong local government.
This question deals with the ratification of the Council of Europe Charter. Perhaps the Deputy would put down a specific question on that matter.
I think the Minister was anxious to reply.
I will always facilitate my constituency colleague if allowed. This whole question is like the draining of the Shannon, it has been around a long time.
That is my fear.
We have announced the setting up of a commission. There will be a White Paper and things will be happening within a timeframe of 12 to 18 months.
We are deviating from the subject matter of the question.