Eoin Ryan
Question:89 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment when the study undertaken by his Department into local government financing will be completed; and the terms of reference of the study. [5374/96]
Written Answers. - Local Government Financing.
The study is being undertaken in two stages. The report of the consultants on stage 1 was recently completed and I am considering its contents with a view to commencing stage 2 as soon as possible.
The terms of reference of stage 1 were as follows: 1. Consider and quantify existing and potential future expenditure requirements and aspirations of local authorities. 2. Identify rationalisation and improvement possibilities on this expenditure. 3. In the context of the identified expenditure requirements and aspirations, consider a comprehensive range of options for developing a fair, equitable and reasonable system of local government funding. 4. Identify the funding options which would most likely yield positive results but which require further examination. 5. As part of the study, review previous reports and studies on the financing of local authorities in Ireland and examine local government financing in comparable countries with reference to recent trends in relation to expenditure and sources of income.
The primary purpose of stage 2 will be to carry out an in-depth analysis of the options identified in stage 1. Specific terms of reference for stage 2 are at present being drawn up.