Vol. 486 No. 1
650 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the aspects of the programme of renewal of local government, if any, which will be commenced in January 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1453/98]
I would refer the Deputy to Question No. 26 of 14 October 1997. The Government is committed to an ongoing programme for the renewal of local government. A number of significant reform measures are currently under way and at various stages of implementation. Guidelines for the establishment and operation of strategic policy committees issued to city and county councils last November and a seminar on implementation will be held next week. Earlier this month I announced details of proposed new arrangements for the future funding local government which will come into effect on 1 January 1999. Legislation to underpin the funding proposals will be brought before the Dáil as early as possible in the current sitting. Currently negotiations with staff interests in relation to the strengthening of management structures in local authorities are ongoing. Side by side with these initiatives, a range of other reform measures such as the modernisation of local government financial management systems and of the human resources area generally are currently ongoing. In addition to the matters mentioned I intend, following consideration by Government, to bring forward a range of further initiatives later in the year as part of the programme of renewal.
