Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 500: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the local government efficiency review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11071/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The recommendations contained in the Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group provide important input to consideration of options for expenditure reduction, revenue raising, efficiency and other policy developments. I established an independently chaired Implementation Group, in April 2011, to drive forward relevant recommendations of the Report, with a focus on key recommendations that will remove costs and yield early savings. The Group has met on ten occasions since June 2011, and its overall work programme is progressing. The board policy approach to efficiency includes –

· The prioritisation of those recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Review Report that will yield the earliest and greatest financial gains;

· Action planning in the local government sector in relation to prioritised recommendations;

· Further measures, where necessary, to achieve implementation and/or enhance efficiency; and,

· The delivery of services in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

The Group has recently completed an interim report, which I have asked it to develop further. I intend that the work of the Group will be a significant contributory element to the Local Government Reform Programme.