Seanad debates

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers

 

2:00 am

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senators for their constructive contributions. This is an opportunity for people to indicate to me their views on how local government should be reformed. I realise full well the sentiments as expressed by Senators in that a considerable amount of paperwork has been produced over many years but very little action. I hope they will see some change in that attitude and that the strength and purpose of local government and the delivery of local services will be centre stage in any particular policy announcement. I believe fundamentally in local government as a vehicle to deliver local services. I am engaging with my Government colleagues to establish which functions of Departments and agencies can be better and more usefully, efficiently and effectively deployed at local level. I would welcome more support from some Departments in this regard as these are often reluctant to give way on issues and on some functions that are more clearly and effectively-----

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