Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:80 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment if he will expand on his reference to best run councils; the name of the councils under the heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Management of Local Authorities.
Many complex factors need to be taken into account in performance evaluation of public sector bodies and, ultimately, it is difficult to avoid at least some element of subjectivity. There is, therefore, little to be gained by attempting formally to categorise individual local authorities in terms of overall performance.
It is essential, of course, that local authorities themselves regularly examine the individual programmes and services for which they are responsible to ensure that maximum efficiency, effectiveness and quality is achieved. In this process, advice and guidance is available from my Department aimed at the dissemination of knowledge and experience across the local government sector as a whole. Specific matters arising relating to individual programmes or services are taken up with the local authority concerned as they arise. The value-for-money unit which was established last year within the framework of the Local Government Audit Service will be making a significant contribution to efficiency and effectiveness in the years ahead.
I will be taking further steps in this area in the context of the initiative on strategic management in the public sector recently announced by An Taoiseach.