I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 69 together.
The vision set out in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government: Putting People First is that local government will be the main vehicle of governance and public service at local level – leading economic, social and community development, delivering efficient and good value services, and representing citizens and local communities effectively and accountably. Consistent with this principle, the Action Programme gives a clear commitment that, in future, the functions of government at local level will be performed through the local government system to the greatest possible extent. This approach is consistent with the recommendation regarding local government in the “Take Charge of Change” Declaration, as are measures to strengthen the role and powers of local government, which is a core objective of reform. Government policy decisions in this regard are set out in the Action Programme. Additional local government functions are specified with particular regard to three key areas: the operation of the local micro-enterprise support service through Local Enterprise Offices; local authority oversight and planning of local and community development programmes; and an enhanced and clearer role in economic development. These decisions represent the most significant enhancement of the role of local government in many decades.
In addition, in the course of drawing up the reform programme, Ministers were requested to identify further matters that could be devolved to local government. Initial proposals arising from this process are detailed in the Action Programme. There will be further engagement with a view to identifying additional activities ahead of the development of legislation to implement reform measures. The Action Programme also provides for delegation of greater authority to local level in functions such as environment, water, foreshore, roads, traffic, housing and energy efficiency. This involves giving greater responsibility or discretion to local authorities in relation to various areas in which they already have a significant involvement and where there is scope for reducing the degree of central control. The Action Programme also addresses the issue of citizen engagement and public participation in local government and indicates that mechanisms to promote greater community and citizen engagement with local government will be considered, including possible participative democracy arrangements.
An essential component of the Action Programme will be the development and enactment of legislation. Wide-ranging and detailed legislation will be necessary to provide for a range of measures contained in the reform programme. This will include provision for amalgamation of local authorities in Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, including the dissolution of existing authorities, the establishment of new unitary authorities, and the transfer of functions, assets, liabilities, staff, etc., from the existing councils to the successor authorities. Wider legislative provisions will also be required to provide for new arrangements at sub-county and regional levels, together with likely consequential amendments across a number of other legislative codes and to allow for the implementation of a range of new policy undertakings under the Action Programme. The local government reform programme is a high priority for Government as a key element of the overall reform agenda, and while I am not in a position to provide definitive timing details for the legislation, it will be brought forward for enactment in good time before the 2014 local elections.
