Vol. 525 No. 3
326 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the establishment of special policy committees within local authorities; the progress in each local authority in implementing this; and if there are still remaining industrial relations difficulties in appointing staff to service these committees. [25010/00]
Strategic policy committees have now been established and meetings held in 27 of the 34 county-city local authorities. A further five – Galway Corporation and County Council, Donegal, Kildare and Sligo County Councils – plan to hold their inaugural meetings in the near future. The other two, Longford and South Dublin County Councils, are not yet in a position to hold their first meetings, although necessary preparatory work is in hands.
The strategic policy committees are a central plank in the Government's policy for the renewal of the local government system. I am anxious to ensure that all SPCs are fully operational without delay. With this in mind, later this month, I will be launching an intensive programme focused on key policy issues for all SPC chairs. This programme will be implemented in the coming months and will effectively be the precursor to the network of SPC chairs-directors of services and my Department. These networks will play an essential role in ensuring that the SPCs achieve their full potential in the development and monitoring of local authority policies.
With regard to servicing the SPCs, I understand that, while unions nationally have lifted their objections, there may be problems locally in a few authorities.
