Ms Anne Marie Walshe:

On the linking of LPT to improved or increased services, the local government sector is primarily a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. However, the local authority performance indicator report is published annually by the National Oversight and Audit Commission, which provides independent oversight of the sector. Its report presents the performance of local authorities in a wide range of services. The report, which is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, outlines how local authorities continue to deliver on their performance and efficiency targets. Perhaps that provides a route to look into the issues raised.

Regarding retention, how the budgetary process will be worked out and how local authorities secure funding is a matter to be worked on bilaterally by the Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the normal Estimates and budgetary processes. It is not a matter for the Department of Finance and is not covered by the proposed legislation.