Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will retain the core functions and governance of town councils in any reforms of local authorities which would take into account appropriate and similar numbers of councillor members to the existing structures, retention of existing headquarters and staff and enhance the role and responsibilities of the town mayors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15687/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Action Programme for Effective Local Government - Putting People First , which was published on 16 October 2012, sets out Government decisions for a range of measures in relation to local government structures, functions, funding, governance and operational matters. Chapter 6 of the Programme sets out policy decisions to replace town councils with a new comprehensive model of municipal governance based around principal towns to strengthen local government within counties and address weaknesses and anomalies in the current system. Key features of the new arrangements are also detailed, including governance, civic roles and an indicative listing of reserved functions of elected members at municipal district level.

I announced the establishment of a Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee on 15 November 2012 to review and make recommendations on local electoral boundaries having regard to the results of Census 2011 and the policy decisions announced in the Action Programme. The Committee has been asked to report no later than 31 May 2013 and its recommendations will provide the basis for the configuration and membership of the new municipal districts.