John McGuinness
Ceist:181 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce the necessary regulations to simplify, for members, the annual books of Estimates for local authorities. [19272/97]
Written Answers. - Books of Estimates.
As part of a comprehensive package of measures in relation to local government financing, the existing accounting system of local authorities is being modernised on a full accrual and double entry basis. A project team comprising officials of my Department and local authorities has been established to oversee this work which is ongoing. In tandem with this, the existing format of local authority Estimates will also be reviewed. The objective of this task is that all financial statements of local authorities will give a better picture of the financial performance and true worth of the authorities as well as giving more transparent and user-friendly information to local authority members and officials and to the general public. Any necessary regulations will be introduced as part of this process.