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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Government Reform.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

125 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will bring forward long promised legislation providing for the reform of local government and for the direct election of mayors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1572/00]

The Local Government Bill 2000 is at an advanced stage of drafting and is scheduled for publication in the current Dáil session. The Bill is substantial with more than 200 sections; it will consolidate and modernise local government law, implement a range of reforms and generally underpin the programme of local government renewal. The Bill will inter alia, include provision for the direct election of cathaoirligh of county and city councils from the next local elections in 2004. As part of the programme of local government renewal a whole series of initiatives designed to transform local government have already been taken; and action is well in hands across a range of fronts. A new funding system is in place, a major planning Bill is before the Oireachtas, constitutional recognition has been accorded to local government, together with a fixed electoral cycle; the partnership model is being introduced via the strategic policy committees, modern financial management, accounting and VFM systems have been developed; strengthened management structures are ready for implementation; the first element in a training programme for councillors is complete; funding was provided for a one stop shop initiative; the next phase of SMI for local authorities is about to be launched; county-city development boards will be established shortly. All in all these and other initiatives represent a major programme of action for the renewal of local government which the Local Government Bill will support and underpin.

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