Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 5 together.

The Government's broad policy approach in this area was set out in the programme for Government. In line with this, I intend to bring proposals to the Government before the Dáil summer recess for an extensive programme of local government reform. Subject to the Government's decisions, I propose to publish a comprehensive policy statement setting out a clear vision for the future of local government and proposals to achieve it, with particular focus on strengthening structures generally at regional, county and sub-county levels, expanding the role of local government, maximising operational and organisational efficiency and improving governance, oversight, local political and executive leadership and citizen engagement. The reform programme will also reflect other work on various aspects of local government, including local authority mergers, efficiency implementation, local government funding and alignment of local and community development with local government. The statement will also outline implementation arrangements for the reform programme and certain issues which will be the subject of further policy development work.

Work on the development of policy proposals for the Government's consideration in this area is informed by the extensive analysis, consultation, deliberation and debate that has already taken place on local government reform over many years. I have received submissions from, and held discussions with the local government representative associations, with individual local authorities and with other interested groups and individuals. I also recently invited each individual councillor in the country to submit views to me on a number of issues relating to local government reform.

Publication of the policy statement on local government will provide a further opportunity for public comment and input ahead of the development of legislation required to provide for reform measures. The content of the local government reform legislation will be a matter for a decision by the Government in the first instance and will, of course, be the subject of Oireachtas scrutiny and debate in the normal way.

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