Phil Hogan
Ceist:7 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress which he has made in the implementation of a policy entitled Better Local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7880/01]
Other Questions. - Local Government Reform.
A major programme to renew our local government system is well under way which builds on proposals contained in Better Local Government which was published by the previous Government in December 1996. The aim of the programme and the Government is to promote a local government system which is democratically based, strong and relevant, properly financed and working in partnership with the community it serves. Enormous progress has been made by the Government in implementing its wide ranging local government reform programme, including the constitutional recognition for local government, with guaranteed local elections; strategic policy committees which have been established in 33 of the 34 local authorities and which introduce the partnership model to local government where the social partners and sectoral interests sit alongside councillors to formulate, monitor and review local government policy; and the establishment of county and city development boards, led by local government and also representative of local development bodies, State agencies operating locally and the social partners.
In the case of local authority financing, significant progress has been achieved. A new revenue system, the local government fund, was established in 1999. It was recognised in Better Local Government that there was a need for an equitable and transparent system for the distribution of additional moneys made available through the local government fund, which is currently being put in place on a needs and resources model. A value for money unit has also been established on a statutory basis in my Department. Work is also progressing well on the development of the new financial management system in local authorities based on accrual accounting principles.
Other initiatives include the one-stop shop initiative, the 21 service indicators and customer action plans which are designed to give improved service to customers.
Additional InformationSubstantial progress has been made in putting new management structures in place to modernise human resources policies and strengthen management and staffing capacity. This new structure will provide clearer accountability and responsibility through abolition of the dual administration-technical structures as well as opening up better career prospects in local government. A new accelerated training and education policy focused programme for councillors is now well under way. An induction training programme for new councillors was implemented in the latter part of 1999 following the local elections and seminars on key local government policy issues for SPC and urban chairs were recently completed. A comprehensive policy focused training programme for all councillors will commence shortly.
The Local Government Bill, 2000 is the next step in the renewal process. It is designed to underpin the ongoing programme of renewal already outlined, introducing a range of reforms to enhance the fundamental democratic nature of local government. The Bill provides a uniform, modern, statutory framework for the local government system, consolidating local government legislation and repealing outdated law and terminology. The Bill is currently on Second Stage in the Dáil.
Before the Local Government Bill is again discussed in the House will the Minister reconsider the partnership model which has been chosen? The participative democracy structures which have been put in place are a total fiasco in that layer upon layer of meetings which would make one weep are required for all participants.
I will certainly have a look at it, but I think the Deputy is underlining the necessity to get rid of the dual mandate. I certainly believe it is not possible to do a job both here and at local level.—
The Minister should tell that to Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae.
I am making a statement. I am not accusing anyone of anything. The SPC system was meant to replace the myriad of committees local authorities have. There is a view in some local authorities that the more meetings they have, the more business is being done. I take the opposite view. Fewer and more focused meetings, like strategic policy committees, would be more beneficial. It is up to the local authorities to run their own business and get rid of half the committees they have.
What about the sheep-dipping committees?
As the Minister has mentioned the dual mandate, where now stands the Local Government Bill? Will the Minister proceed with that Bill, or is he preparing a local government (No. 2) Bill to legislate for some of the provisions in the present Bill, and leave others out ?
The Deputy must be inspired by the Holy Spirit or something. However, in this case, the Holy Spirit is wrong, there are no plans.
(Interruptions.)
Is the Minister aware that the Government Chief Whip has said this Bill is now in abeyance and that he has effectively capitulated to the four independent Deputies? The Minister's nose is being rubbed in the dirt. Is the Minister embarrassed by the fact that he is not being taken seriously at Cabinet?
Like the Deputy, I am not that easily embarrassed.
The councillors are upset at not getting the money.