John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I propose to take Question Nos. 7 and 49 together.

The findings and recommendations of the report of the independent local government efficiency review group are for consideration by the Government in the appropriate policy and financial contexts. I propose shortly to establish an implementation group with an independent chairperson to oversee implementation of relevant recommendations in line with Government decisions. The group's terms of reference will generally set out the recommendations to be covered by it and those which are matters for the Government to determine. This group will also build on the extensive efficiencies already achieved by local authorities over the past two years or so.

In the meantime, I have taken action to progress implementation of certain recommendations. In this context I have recently established a group, chaired by Mr. Pat McLoughlin who also chaired the efficiency review group, to carry out a review of the staffing complement and number of senior managers in Dublin City Council. I have asked the Dublin review group to report within six months with their recommendations on the actions to be taken to reduce the staffing complement. Similar arrangements will be put in place in respect of Cork City Council.

Specific measures to modernise local government are also under way in parallel with the efficiency review group's recommendations. These include implementation of the transforming public services programme and the Croke Park agreement in local authorities in areas such as shared services, HR, ICT and procurement. A directly elected mayor for Dublin, the legislation for which is currently before Dáil Éireann, will lead and promote efficiency in the Dublin region. A dedicated Cabinet committee has been engaged in finalising the policy decisions for inclusion in the White Paper on Local Government. A more efficient local government system will be a core objective of the White Paper. I am satisfied that these measures represent a comprehensive and targeted approach to achieving further efficiencies in local government.

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