Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

These amendments seek to introduce a requirement for the consent of the Oireachtas and-or consultation with the Oireachtas, agencies and local authorities in the administrative process of establishing new bodies, and in the preparation of transfer orders in the context of bodies that are being dissolved. The principle of a Minister in a sector such as local government having the power to establish bodies to provide shared services for local authorities is long established and is recognised by the courts.

The Bill has strengthened the link between the principles and policies in primary legislation and the bodies to be established. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is required before any body can be established and before any transfer order is made. Therefore, not only is the issue of efficiency and effectiveness within the sector considered, but the wider public service efficiency and reform agenda will also be fully considered.

The rationalisation programme has already been delayed due to the necessity to dissolve bodies through primary legislation, and it would not be in the interests of efficiency to accept these amendments. Therefore, I do not propose to accept them.

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