Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Waterford Local Government Committee is a statutory committee established under the Local Government Act 1991 to carry out a review of local government arrangements in Waterford and submit a report containing recommendations on whether the county council and city council of Waterford should be unified. The appointment of members to the committee was undertaken in accordance with, inter alia, section 28(4)(d) of the 1991 Act which provides for the disqualification of certain persons from membership, including members of a local authority. Accordingly, I have no discretion in that regard.

The appointment of the five members in question was based on their range of knowledge, experience and expertise, including in local government matters; public administration generally; business and development; and their knowledge of matters relevant to Waterford. I have full confidence in their ability to examine the issues rigorously and report in an objective and informed manner and in accordance with their terms of reference, a copy of which was issued on 23 September and is available on my Department's website.

The work of the Waterford Local Government Committee is an important component of an overall programme of reform and development in the local government sector, under which significant decisions in the case of counties Limerick and Tipperary have already been taken by the Government. The report of the committee which is to be submitted to me not later than 29 February 2012 will be published and I will bring proposals to the Government for decision in relation to local government arrangements in Waterford in the light of the committee's findings. To ensure public representatives are informed of matters relating to these issues, regular briefings will be provided for the committees of the relevant local authorities on the implementation of any measures to be introduced.

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