Vol. 568 No. 5
112 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if the major independent review of local government funding committed to in An Agreed Programme for Government is under way; when he expects the findings of this review to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16581/03]
141 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his proposals for the adequate funding of local Government; the terms of reference of the independent review of local government funding announced on 14 February 2003; the person by whom the review will be undertaken; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16518/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 141 together.
While the financial standing of the local government sector has improved under the new funding system introduced in 1999, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has determined that a further review would now be timely in light of the evolving challenges facing local government developments in the wider economy.
Following consultation on this issue, the Minister intends that the review will embrace the following elements: projections of likely expenditure and income requirements of local authorities in the medium term; review of the existing system of funding local authorities and its potential to meet likely expenditure and income requirements; evaluation of the efficiency of the structure, organisation and service delivery of current local government system, including the administrative and funding arrangements for local government generally; and options for revised arrangements for funding local government including implementation strategies.
My Department is currently finalising the precise terms of reference and request for proposals. The consultants to carry out the review will be appointed following an open competitive process to be initiated shortly and it is expected that following appointment, their work should be completed within 12 months.
