David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the reform of local government structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22470/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 558 of 3 May 2006 in relation to the local government reform programme.

A number of new structures have been introduced in recent years as part of the programme to provide an enhanced role for elected members in policy formulation and review and in developing and implementing an integrated strategy for the economic, social and cultural development of their areas. This role is now undertaken in partnership with representatives of the sectoral interests through the local authority Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) and the local government led County/City Development Boards (CDBs) respectively. Following a review of the SPCs, a number of recommendations were made to improve their performance and these are at present being implemented at local authority level. In addition, CDBs have at my request, just completed a review of their strategies in order to ensure that they remained focused on delivering a select number of key priorities over the following three years. The review concentrated on integrative actions aimed at a more joined-up approach to local service delivery, involving the member agencies on the Board.

A new structure in the form of joint local authority — Garda policing committees will be introduced into local government over the next few months. These new committees will be launched shortly, initially on a pilot basis. The committees will introduce a partnership process involving local elected members, An Garda Síochána, Oireachtas members, community representatives and local authority management which can collectively consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of local areas.

My focus has been on intensifying and consolidating the gains made through the extensive local government modernisation programme of recent years. While much has been achieved, I am anxious that momentum be maintained and further progress made in delivering, modern, effective and customer focused service delivery by local authorities to their communities.