Seán Crowe
Question:67 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review of local authority SPCs will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22611/04]
View answerThursday, 30 September 2004
Questions (69)
Written answers
The review of local authority strategic policy committees, SPCs, conducted on my behalf by the Institute of Public Administration, has been completed. Copies of the review have been circulated to local authorities for distribution among elected members, council staff and sectoral representatives.
The review, which was carried out in consultation with elected members, sectoral representatives and officials, focused on establishing examples of best practice in the operation of SPCs with a view to transferring such practice to all city/county councils. In this regard it recommended a number of practical measures aimed at the more effective operation of SPCs in the development, implementation and review of relevant policies by local authorities. In particular, the review identified the key roles of both the SPC chair in terms of leadership of the committee and the director of services in the provision of appropriate administrative support. The recommendations have been endorsed by me and are now to be implemented by local authorities, in accordance with amended guidelines issued to them, on the operation of the new SPCs established following the recent local elections.