Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2026
617. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the Taskforce on Local Democracy; the expected timeline for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22022/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra618. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a detailed breakdown of the costs relating to the temporary work of the Taskforce on Local Democracy and the associated report submitted on 4 March 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22023/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra619. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on an implementation plan relating to the Taskforce on Local Democracy; the expected timeline for the publication of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 617, 618 and 619 together.
The Local Democracy Taskforce was established in June 2025 as a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce set out an ambitious and detailed work programme, expected to give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector. The Taskforce considered the Structures, Functions, Funding and Governance arrangements within the sector and met on nine occasions. The Taskforce was supported in its work by four Pillar Groups who provided technical and subject matter advice to the Taskforce throughout. The Pillar Groups met on close to 40 occasions. The Taskforce, in the course of its work, considered submissions developed by stakeholders from across the sector. These submissions can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/local-democracy-taskforce/#stakeholder-consultation.
The Taskforce recently submitted its final report to me in early March 2026. I am currently considering the recommendations of the report and an implementation plan is currently under development. I expect to bring the recommendations within the report, along with an implementation plan, to Government shortly. The total cost to date associated with the administration of the Local Democracy Taskforce is €23,812.96, which is make up of print and publication costs (€2,565.10), catering and room hire (€6,934.60) and reimbursement of travel and member/Chair related expenses (€14,313.26).
