David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made to date in progressing the reforming local government goals in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15606/11]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reform local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15605/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 39 together.

A range of work relevant to local government reform is already under way. I have recently established an independent Implementation Group to progress relevant recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Review in areas such as shared services, procurement, value for money and audit. I have asked the Group to build on the extensive efficiencies that have been achieved by local authorities in the past two years or so where savings of over €300 million have been achieved and to focus on key recommendations that will remove costs and yield earliest financial savings for the benefit of the sector and the economy. The Group will report to me at regular intervals and its first report is to be provided within six months.

The Programme for Government also reflects the need, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services. In this regard I have already indicated my intention to introduce a household charge in 2012 in line with the requirements of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland.

Options for the greater alignment of local development arrangements with the local government system, in accordance with the Programme for Government, are also under consideration in my Department. I am, in addition, considering wider proposals to renew and develop the local government system. Key objectives in this regard 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. Relevant proposals in recent reports including the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and the Local Government Efficiency Review will be taken into account in the development of policy in this area.

I propose to publish a policy statement on local government that will outline Government policy in this area in line with the Programme for Government. In this regard, I intend to bring proposals to Government in the autumn for an action programme to develop and enhance the local government system, improve its capacity to meet current and future challenges and make a substantial contribution to the national recovery effort.