Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the preparations being made to release additional funding to local authorities in counties that have shown a strong pattern of population growth following the publication of the preliminary census results; if same will result in a relaxation of the staffing cap where it is deemed necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In the intercensal period 2002-2006 general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund to local authorities rose by some 48%. This increase is well in excess of any expected increase in population over the same period. Population is one of the factors used in determining these grants and updated data provided by the recent census will be used when allocating such grants in future years.

In light of Government policy on the regulation and control of numbers in the public service, including local authorities, I am keeping the overall employment position in the local government sector under regular review.