Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish his review of the local government system; and if members of the public or local authority will have an opportunity to make submissions and observations. [22656/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 216 of 3 May 2012 which sets out the position in relation to work underway and planned for the reform of the local government system.

Work on the development of policy proposals for Government consideration in this area is informed, inter alia, by the extensive analysis, consultation, deliberation and debate that has already taken place in relation to local government reform. The Government's broad policy approach in this area as set out in the Programme for Government and subsequently, submissions were received from a range of sources including the local government representative associations. I have held discussions on the matter with those associations, with individual local authorities and with other interested groups and individuals. A detailed debate on local government reform was also held in the Seanad in February, during which many interesting views and suggestions were put forward.

The main focus now must be on implementation rather than further discussion, reviews or reports. However, I envisage that, following decision by Government, a policy statement on local government will be published, which will provide a further opportunity for public comment and input ahead of the development of legislation to provide for reform measures. The relevant legislative proposals will, in turn, be the subject of Oireachtas scrutiny and debate in the normal way.