Michael Ring
Ceist:235. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to whom chief executives of local authorities are answerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 July 2022
Ceisteanna (235)
Freagraí scríofa
The chief executive of a local authority is accountable first and foremost to the elected council of that local authority. The chief executive performs the executive functions of the city council, county council or city and county council, being responsible for the efficient and effective operation of a local authority and for ensuring that decisions made by elected members are implemented having regard to the relevant statutory provisions.
The appointment of a Chief Executive is a reserved function of the elected members of a local authority following the consideration of a recommendation of the Public Appointment Services (PAS), as is the decision to suspend or remove the chief executive from employment for stated misbehaviour or if his or her suspension or removal appears to them to be necessary for the effective performance by the local authority of its functions.
There is a range of measures in place in respect of the elected council’s role in the oversight of the chief executive in the performance of his or her role, including monthly management reports, the supply of reports by the chief executive on request, and the power to direct the chief executive to do a thing or not proceed with works, subject to the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended. Where there is an alleged breach by the chief executive of the provisions of the ethics framework under Part 15 of the 2001 Act, the Cathaoirleach receives the report of the ethics registrar and considers what further action to take.
It is also the case that each local authority chief executive is subject to the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.