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Gormley announces the membership of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group

23/12/09

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., announced today (23 December, 2009) the membership of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group.  The establishment of the Review was announced in the Budget and it will look at the cost base, expenditure of and numbers employed in local authorities.

The members of the Review Group are:

Chairperson
Mr. Pat McLoughlin, Business Consultant


Membership
Ms. Geraldine Tallon, Secretary General, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Mr. Donal McNally, Second Secretary General, Department of Finance

Professor John O'Hagan, Department of Economics, Trinity College

Mr. John Quinlivan, Former County Manager

Mr. Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland


The Minister said ”There is wide representation on the Review Group and it brings together a wealth of experience and knowledge to the task, from both the public and private sectors.”

As part of the Review, there will be a comprehensive consultation process involving the key stakeholders, including Government Departments/Agencies which interact with local authorities, local authorities at both elected and official levels, business groups, and the general public.  The Minister said “I will shortly put in place the necessary arrangements for these groups and the public to contribute to this process.”

The Minister recognises the key role played by local authorities in social, economic and environmental development at local and national level.  The Efficiency Review is one aspect in gearing local government to continue this contribution.  The Minister said “the forthcoming White Paper on Local Government will, among other things, set out Government policy on the structure of local government in Ireland, including new or enhanced gateway and regional structures”. 

The Minister concluded “I have asked the Group to complete its work by mid-2010 which is by any standards a relatively short period.  The economic climate that we are in requires us to bring a new and sharper focus to those sectors which spend significant sums in providing services to the public.  I wish the members well in their work and look forward to receiving the outcome of their deliberations on this wide and complex remit.”

Note for Editors:
Pat McLoughlin is a freelance health sector business consultant with a range of business interests in the sector. Until early 2006 Mr. McLoughlin served as the deputy Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive and National Director (Hospitals). Mr. McLoughlin is currently CEO of IPSO [Irish Payment Services Organisation].  He recently served on the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

The terms of reference of the Review are:


To review the cost base, expenditure of and numbers employed in local authorities with a view to reporting on:

- specific recommendations to reduce costs;

- the effectiveness of particular programmes;

- optimal efficiency in the way programmes are delivered; and,

- any other proposals to enhance value for money in the delivery of services at local level.
 
The Group will take account of Government policy on local government organisation, reform and finances, the public service context set by the Task Force on the Public Service and associated Government Statement, necessary legal compliance by local authorities particularly in relation to environmental requirements, public health, and health and safety; and have regard to the state of the public finances.


Media queries:
Press and Information Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638  (direct)
(01) 888 2000
E-Mail: press-office@environ.ie
Web site: www.environ.ie

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