Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether his Department should have more responsibility for the workings and decisions of local authorities across the country as apparently there is no accountability between the two; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7467/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities are independent, democratically elected bodies that are recognised by the Constitution and in law. They operate in accordance with local government and other legislation, as well as national policy, directions and guidelines as provided for in such legislation. In their day-to-day activities, local authorities are accountable on an on-going basis to their elected members, who in turn are accountable to the electorate every five years through the election process.

Within this framework, arrangements have been put in place by my Department to oversee and monitor the operations of local authorities; these include ongoing formal and informal liaison between the Minister, the Department and local authorities (at elected member and senior management levels). Local authorities are also subject to audit by the Local Government Audit Service, and, to review by the Office of the Ombudsman. They are, in addition, subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

The programme of modernisation in local government, which has been underway for over 10 years, incorporates many elements that strengthen the accountability of local authorities. These include—

An emphasis on the role of elected members in determining policy and in monitoring and overseeing the implementation of such policy by management, especially through Strategic Policy Committees and Corporate Policy Groups

The introduction of an ethics framework for elected members and senior staff in local authorities

The introduction of modern financial management and accounting systems, as well as new audit committees

A focus on improving the quality of services provided to the public, including greater use of customer consultation, improved complaints procedures, and the requirement to report publicly on performance across a range of service indicators.

I am satisfied that these arrangements ensure a level of accountability compatible with the independent standing of local authorities and in the broader context of the principle of subsidiarity.