Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding local government reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33345/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 15 and 19 of 20 October 2011, indicating that significant progress is being made in relation to a range of work relevant to the reform and development of local government in accordance with the Programme for Government.

Initial decisions, as in the case of Limerick and Tipperary, have concentrated on structural consolidation at city and county level. I have also established a Local Government Committee to consider whether the creation of a unified authority in Waterford would be warranted. These measures are being progressed ahead of more comprehensive policy proposals which I intend to bring to Government shortly in relation to the structures at each level of the local government system, regional, county and sub-county. I have noted the views contained in the document referred to in the Question. Decisions in relation to municipal governance within counties will be a matter for Government in that context.