Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to review and increase the powers and responsibilities of local government elected representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22313/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The local government modernisation programme provides an enhanced role for elected members in policy formulation and review, in partnership with representatives of the social partners and sectoral interests through the establishment of strategic policy committees. The role of the elected member is further strengthened through the operation of the corporate policy group which comprises the cathaoirleach and the chairs of the strategic policy committees acting as a mini-cabinet for the council. Additionally, local authorities have a lead role and wider sphere of influence in the county-city development board, CDB, system. The CDBs allow elected members a direct input into the services provided by other public bodies at local level.

The role of the locally elected representative has also been enhanced by the creation of the single mandate, the improved financial support framework for members and better training-information opportunities. I am determined to intensify and consolidate the gains being made through the modernisation programme and, in particular, to promote improvements in performance and in service delivery by local authorities to their communities. Elected members will continue to have a key role in ensuring that their local authorities deliver on this change agenda.