Vol. 571 No. 3
275 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if the major independent review of all local government funding committed to An Agreed Programme for Government is under way; if consultants have been appointed to carry out this review; the date he expects the findings of the review to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21637/03]
I have invited applications from consultants wishing to carry out this review. The closing date for receipt of proposals is 7 November 2003. I will appoint consultants as soon as possible following examination of all valid proposals. I anticipate that the review will take about a year to complete following which a decision on publication will be made. The review does not form part of An Agreed Programme for Government.
