John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The Local Government (Mayor and Regional Authority of Dublin) Bill 2010, which sets out the powers, functions and financing arrangements for the mayor and authority, was presented to Dáil Éireann on 15 October 2010. I published a regulatory impact assessment on my Department's website on that date.

A precise costing is not possible at this time, pending decisions which will be made in the coming months, in consultation with the Dublin local authorities, on the number and grades of staff employed, the facilities which will be required, the location of offices and other organisational details. However, I can state unequivocally that the costs of funding the Dublin mayor and supporting structures will be met entirely from within the local government sector. Opportunities to reduce costs are being taken. The new, strengthened regional authority provided for in the Bill will have 16 elected members; the authority it will replace has 30. There will be offsetting savings on functions currently performed by other bodies. The staffing structure will be relatively modest and will be drawn from the local government sector. Costs will be significantly outweighed by anticipated benefits in a range of key areas.

It should be noted that in 2010, the net budgeted revenue expenditure of local government fell by €381 million compared to 2009, a 7.6% decrease. Local government will continue to play its role in the Government's determined efforts to restore balance and sustainability in the public finances.

Alongside the introduction of the Dublin mayor, efficiency and saving measures will continue to be pursued across the local government sector arising from the report of the local government efficiency review group and related initiatives. In Dublin alone, these savings are estimated at €40 million per annum over time. In particular, it is my intention that the staffing complement, including senior manager numbers in Dublin City Council, will be reviewed in line with a recommendation made in the efficiency review, and this will be put in hand as soon as possible.

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