Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish the local government reforms; if these reforms include a reduction in the number of elected members and a redrawing of the local electoral boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36554/12]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his timeframe for local government reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36862/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 551 together.

The Government's broad policy approach in this area was set out in the Programme for Government. In line with this, I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly for an extensive programme of local government reform. Subject to the Government's decisions, I propose to publish a comprehensive action programme setting out a clear vision for the future of local government and proposals to achieve it, with particular focus on strengthening structures at regional, county and sub-county levels; expanding the role of local government; maximising operational and organisational efficiency; improving governance and oversight; local political and executive leadership; and citizen engagement.

The reform programme will also reflect other work under way in relation to various aspects of local government, including local authority mergers, efficiency implementation, local government funding and alignment of local and community development with local government. The decisions to merge local authorities in Limerick and Tipperary will give rise to a review of local electoral areas in these counties and subject to the final shape of the decisions by Government, the wider policy proposals being brought forward will also give rise to an examination of local electoral boundaries.