Seanad debates

Wednesday, 16 June 2004

Water Services Bill 2003: Committee Stage.

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Michael McCarthyMichael McCarthy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 62:

In page 38, subsection (3), line 37, to delete "executive" and substitute "reserved".

The amendment pertains to the roles of the executive, officials and members of local authorities. There is a serious issue in regard to the functions and powers of elected members of local authorities, to which I referred earlier in regard to the exclusive authority which the Minister now has to set the price of refuse collection. This occurs in many local authorities, including my own, and has resulted in the price of refuse collection soaring, yet there is little the elected members of local government can do about it.

In a broader context, the amendment takes into account the transparency that should exist in local government. The Government has been inconsistent in its treatment of local government and if it is serious about reform and handing real power to elected members it should accept the amendment. Those of us who came through the system know how restrictive and frustrating it is to discover that in many areas we can only make recommendations or plead with the city and county managers. Managers have too much power and members do not have enough.

Although there is an argument to be made when we see the filth emerging at the tribunals as a result of the activities of a select few in the system who abused their powers, the general experience is that the vast majority of members of local authorities are hard working and decent people. They are supported at election time and then they win the prize, namely the faith and trust of the electorate. Those of us lucky enough to be in such a position have a responsibility and are required to deliver for the electorate. The Minister of State should remember that when considering this amendment. We must show a commitment to local government and the Government must mend the fences with it by not removing any more of the powers that are already so scarce.

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