Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1071: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities are obliged to become certified to quality standard ISO 9001-2008 in respect of the delivery of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1298/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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While there is no obligation on local authorities to become certified under the ISO standardisation system, it is open to authorities to apply for such certification if they so wish. I understand the new ISO 9001-2008 standard was introduced in November 2008. Local authorities may re-apply for certification under the new standard in due course as current certification expires.

I place a high importance on maintaining high standards of delivery across the local government sector. A range of initiatives aimed at improving service delivery are in place across local authorities, including customer service charters and action plans; a greater focus on the use of information technology and online services; the establishment of customer complaint and consultation procedures and the introduction of local government-wide service indicators. Quality service in local authorities in general is a key objective of the local government modernisation programme and is central to Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, the Green Paper on Local Government which I launched in April 2008. The Green Paper presents a set of options for change which share a strong common theme of renewing local democratic leadership and improving customer service. I will shortly finalise the White Paper on Local Government, which will contain a definitive set of proposals in this area for Government consideration and publication.