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Local Authority Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004

Tuesday, 6 July 2004

Ceisteanna (405)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

438 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the services this Deputy can expect from Mayo County Council as an Oireachtas Member in view of the fact that he has ceased being a county councillor since 25 June 2004; the arrangements put in place to deal with Oireachtas Members; and the rights available to this TD in regard to local authorities. [20047/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Local authorities are committed to the delivery of a quality service to all customers and their customer action-service plans set out specific standards, including target response times to correspondence. It is a matter for each local authority to keep under review their own systems and procedures with a view to improving standards of service and addressing any deficiencies which may come to light at local level. In this regard, my Department published national service indicators in January this year which are being used by local authorities to help assess performance; identify areas for improvement; and identify good practice which can be shared through the system.

Additionally, in the context of the ending of the dual mandate, local authorities were required to put in place specific arrangements as regards their dealings with Oireachtas Members so as to provide a reasonable level of customer service and facilitate such members in carrying out their work on behalf of local communities, and statutory regulations have been made in this connection. Copies of these regulations, the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003, and an information note are available in the Oireachtas Library. The regulations provide, inter alia, for the supply of specified documentation to Oireachtas Members and that equivalent systems, procedures and timeframes operate for correspondence as apply for councillors.

Similarly, where there are arrangements for electronic access to information by councillors, these should likewise be made available to Oireachtas Members. A further feature of the system is that managers are required to meet at least annually local Oireachtas Members and thus provide an opportunity for an update on developments and for any difficulties encountered to be raised and addressed. This is, of course, additional to normal and regular contacts between public representatives and local authority officials regarding particular problems or issues.

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