asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the Fianna Fáil election pledge to abolish water charges, it is intended to amend the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No.2) Act, 1983, accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Local Finances Reform.
37.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 37 together.
The question of service charges is, of course, one of the many issues which fall to be considered in the context of the comprehensive review of the system of financing local authorities being carried out in my Department at present. Arising out of this review, I intend to put proposals to Government for the reform of local finances. These proposals will address the various matters involved including the question of service charges but it will, of course, be some time before any changes which may come about as a result of Government decisions can have full effect. Under existing legislation, decisions on local charges remain matters for each elected council as part of the current local estimates process.