I propose to take Questions Nos. 653 to 655, inclusive, together.
Local authorities are independent corporate entities having full responsibility under statute for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities.
As the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I have responsibility for policy, legislation, Oireachtas accountability and, at a broad level, oversight, in respect of the local government system and my Department has responsibility in relation to some, but not all, functions of, and services provided by, local authorities. However, responsibility for Government policy on sport and the funding and governance arrangements relating to sports facilities rests with my colleague the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.