Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Government Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

248 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the specific commitments, if any, set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium which have been implemented in full; the commitments, if any, implemented in part; the commitments, if any, initiated; the commitments, if any, yet to be initiated and implemented by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15049/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The following is the position in relation to the implementation of commitments in An Action Programme for the Millennium in so far as my areas of responsibility is concerned.

Commitments completed

Commitment	Comment
Improve and extend social housing policy schemes.	Enhancements announced in November 1997 and April 1998 (will be kept under review).
Extend the ban on bituminous coal in urban areas.	Extended to a number of additional urban centres earlier this year (position will be kept under review).
Continue house construction programme by local authorities and voluntary groups.	Completed (in so far as 1998 is concerned) with significant increases in investment under all three headings.
Accelerate upgrading of national primary and secondary routes.
Ensure increased funding for regional and county roads.
Establish Statutory Local Government Fund.	The now enacted Local Government Act, 1998 has provided for the establishment of a new Local Government Fund of some £590 million with effect from 1-1-1999 (some £125 million more than the equivalent 1997 funding). The Fund will be comprised of the estimated £320 million proceeds of motor tax (from which non-national road improvements will be funded) and an Exchequer contribution of £270 million. Statutory provision exists for the capping of rates and the arrangements for this will be notified to local authorities in time for their 1999 estimates.
Greater discretion for spending priorities of Local Authorities.
Capping increases of commercial rates.
Finance county road improvements from Motor Taxation with suitable “equalisation'.
Introduce value for money audits for Local Authorities.	Introduced and being extended.

Action has been initiated in respect of all the remaining commitments in my area of responsibility with a view to their implementation in full at the earliest possible stage.