Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

These amendments seek to introduce a requirement for the consent of 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. Senator Cullinane acknowledged that this Bill will strengthen 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 any transfer order can be made. Therefore, the issue of efficiency and effectiveness within the sector and the wider public service efficiency and reform agenda will both be fully considered. The rationalisation programme has already been delayed due to the necessity to dissolve bodies through primary legislation. It would not be in the interests of efficiency to accept amendments Nos. 1 and 2 and I do not propose to do so. I acknowledge that the Senator is not pursuing amendment No. 5.