Mr. Michael McCarthy:

The Deputy made a number of points. On the data in the performance indicators report and the table of rankings, the rationale is that it is difficult to compare some local authorities with others. Obviously, we will get different results in Leitrim or Roscommon compared with those in Dublin, Dún Laoghaire or south Dublin. There are different considerations around demography, geography and topographic issues. There is no doubt that some local authorities are comparable. We engage directly with chief executives and identify counties that, insofar as is possible, are most closely aligned. The Deputy mentioned Cavan. There is strong competition between Cavan and Monaghan to see which is the best at the different things they do. We tend to take a good result and showcase it at our good practice seminar every year. We want to showcase such behaviour. Other local authorities which may not perform as well in a particular sector category can take that learning from the seminar.

The system for performance indicator report data provided by local authorities opens in April each year. There is a timing element around how we can take that information in its fullest form and compile our own reports. That touches on the point about the preliminary report. If it is doable, it is something we are open to doing. There may be an issue around timing, however.

On the performance indicator report, we could ask what is valuable about it. There is a value for NOAC, but, equally, there is also a value for local authorities because it gives them the opportunity to track their performance over time and compare their performance in that area with other authorities of a similar size. There is a general importance from our point of view in terms of the statutory aspect, but also being good practice for local authorities and a good process for them to be involved with by which they can benchmark their performance in those areas with other comparably sized local authorities.