Seanad debates

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Local Government Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

10:30 am

Photo of John Paul PhelanJohn Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are at early stages yet with the drafting of the Galway merger Bill. There is an idea of where we are going as it is not reinventing the wheel in the sense there have been other mergers.

NOAC has been given the power, but perhaps not the resources, to audit local authorities. The former Senator and Deputy, Michael McCarthy, is the newly appointed chair of NOAC. He is keen about his new role. Uniquely, this commission comprises officials from the Department and several retired councillors from across the country. They will be aware of the questions to be asked about the books of local authorities. They should have additional staffing and extra powers. I have said to Michael McCarthy that I am more than willing to ensure that the local government Bill next year includes some additional provisions.

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