Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the abolition of town councils (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38317/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s broad policy approach in this area was set out in the Programme for Government. In line with this, I propose to publish [very shortly] a comprehensive action programme setting out a clear vision for the future of local government with particular focus on strengthening structures at regional, county and sub-county levels, expanding the role of local government, maximising operational and organisational efficiency and improving governance, 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, funding and alignment of local and community development with local government.