Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 14:

In page 40, line 16, to delete "executive" and substitute "reserved".

I raised this point on the last occasion we discussed this legislation. A critical issue arises in terms of how local authorities do their work as regards the functions of elected members and officials. Many people, of whom I am one, believe the executive has too much power. Giving powers to unelected officials thereby enhancing the role of county and city managers takes from the role of members. The large turnout in the recent local elections demonstrates a strong belief in the local government system and places enormous trust and faith in the elected members of local authorities, of whom there are almost 900 throughout the country.

The amendment seeks to ensure that difference is narrowed somewhat. Legislation recently enacted removed powers from councillors. Councillors not alone from the Opposition side but from the Government side are aggrieved about that. The representative bodies such as LAMA, the General Council of County Councils, the AMAI and various local government constituent interest groups have made strong representations on the matter. This provision is also applicable to other legislation. A provision in recent legislation took from elected members and gave to county managers the power to set the price for refuse collections. Local authorities, which are under financial pressure will, in their next budget, set prices at unrealistic levels. They may set them at levels above and beyond what elected members would set them at. It is in these areas that accountability, transparency and democracy comes into local government. I appeal to the Minister of State to accept the amendment.