Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to commence a new process in relation to the reform of local government; the process he intends to use; the time line involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5620/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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A range of work is already under way or in planning arising from the Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group and I am reviewing the next immediate steps to augment this. I will also be considering wider proposals to renew and develop the local government system in line with the Government's programme and building on relevant research and analysis already undertaken in this area.

Key objectives under the Government Programme include devolution of greater decision-making to local level, strengthening the powers and functions of local authorities; enhancing the development and leadership role of local government and strengthening its structures and funding arrangements. I intend bringing proposals to Government in due course on action to take forward the proposals in the Programme to strengthen the local government system and improve its capacity to meet current and future challenges and to make a substantial contribution to the national recovery effort.