Local Authority Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Questions (455)

John Brady

Question:

455. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that Wicklow County Council is requiring all elected representatives to provide a signed waiver form from constituents in order to make representations on their behalf in relation to housing and planning issues; the rationale for this practice; if he is aware of the massive difficulty this poses for local councillors and Teachtaí Dála in properly representing their constituents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7291/16]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

While I as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government have responsibility for policy and legislation in respect of the local government system, local authorities are independent corporate entities with responsibility under law for the performance of relevant functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. The detailed arrangements implemented by local authorities in respect of their dealings with public representatives when they are acting in a representational role on behalf of others are a matter for the authorities themselves. I have no function in this regard.