Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 2

Written Answers. - Local Government Reform.

John Gormley

Question:

219 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will report on progress made since the formation of the Government in relation to the reform of local government to extend opportunities for democratic participation by citizens in all aspects of public life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26998/98]

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

The programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, commits the Government to the restoration of real decision making and power to local authorities and local people. In this context a significant range of initiatives which facilitate greater participation in local government, both directly and indirectly, have been progressed.

Strategic policy committees, including representatives of local sectoral interests, have been established in city and county councils to enhance the policy making role of elected councillors and to involve the local community more closely in the work of the authorities.

Implementation of the recommendations of the recently published report of the task force on integration of local government and local development systems will see local government and the wider community at the local level, including local development agencies and the social partners, working together on the proposed county-city development boards on the basis of real partnership. The task force is overseeing implementation of the recommendations.

The boundaries of electoral areas for local elections were reviewed by independent boundary committees, with terms of reference requiring a new focus on service delivery areas, and orders implementing the committees' reports have been made; the Freedom of Information Act was extended to local authorities with effect from 21 October 1998, allowing citizens to examine and query the decision making process in local government. To facilitate voter turnout, local elections will be held in conjunction with the European Parliament elections on Friday, 11 June 1999.

A publicity campaign in November 1998 advised persons to check the draft register of electors which will be used for the forthcoming European and local elections. There will be a gratuity for eligible councillors retiring before the next local elections which will encourage participation by younger candidates and women candidates as well as giving recognition for service to the community.

A modern legislative framework for local government is being drafted, which will include provision for attendance by the public at local authority meetings. Comhar — the national sustainable development partnership, to which I referred in my reply to Question No. 243 of 1 December 1998, will be established shortly and will deliver on the Government's commitment to increasing partnership and consultation on environmental policy. It will also facilitate broad public participation in issues of sustainable development.