Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2004
181 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the length of time a Deputy is expected to wait for information to be sent in response to a written query to any given local authority post-the ending of the dual mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12849/04]
View answerLocal authorities are committed to the delivery of a quality service to all customers and their customer action-service plans set out specific standards, including target response times to correspondence. It is a matter for each local authority to keep under review their own systems and procedures with a view to improving standards of service and addressing any deficiencies which may come to light at local level.
In the context of the ending of the dual mandate, local authorities were required to put in place arrangements as regards their dealings with Oireachtas Members so as to provide reasonable customer service and facilitate such members in carrying out their work on behalf of local communities, and regulations were made in this connection. A feature of the system is that managers are required to meet at least annually with local Oireachtas Members and thus provide an opportunity for an update on developments and for any difficulties to be raised and addressed. This is additional to normal and regular contacts between local authority officials and public representatives regarding particular problems or issues.
