Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

474. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if additional staff (details supplied) will be considered to develop climate action teams at local authority level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21680/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While my Department has an overarching role in terms of local government, the recruitment and appointment of local authority staff is a matter for each local authority in accordance with section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, which provides that each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.

My Department does not have any role in relation to local authority functions that come within the area of responsibility of another Government Department or State body. Overall responsibility for climate action rests with my colleague the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications.