Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
396. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the oversight arrangements he has put in place with local authorities regarding compliance with level 5 restrictions; the instructions he has issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13035/21]
View answerLocal authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. As Minister, I have responsibility for policy, legislation, Oireachtas accountability and, at a broad level, oversight, in respect of the local government system and in relation to some but not all functions and services of local authorities.
Adherence to the current public health restrictions by and within local authorities is a matter for each Chief Executive. However, the County and City Management Association (CCMA) has worked very closely with a range of Government Departments over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and, supported by a range of Standard Operating Guidances, it has coordinated the ongoing safe operation of most local authority functions and services even during the current restrictions. A local authority services framework sets out how local authorities will deliver their services under the different restriction levels set out under the Plan for Living with COVID-19 and this document can be found online at https://www.lgma.ie/en/publications/local-authority-sector-reports/local-authority-services-framework-for-future-covid-19-response.pdf
My Department liaises with the CCMA on a range of key functions that continue to be delivered by safely by local authorities during the current restrictions. Indeed, our local authorities have expanded services and increased activity in crucial areas such as community support, enterprise and economic development, and planning and public realm activities since the outset of the pandemic and I wish to compliment them for their unstinting work over the past year.
