Written answer
Local Government Reform
The Tánaiste outlined ongoing work on local government reform but declined to preview potential financial or taxation measures before Budget 2027.
409. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the engagement he has had with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on expanding financial powers to local councillors. [65064/26]
Comment on this
410. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the financial package of measures he has discussed with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to the local Government taskforce and the forthcoming Budget. [65065/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 410 together.
The Programme for Government 2025 made a commitment to convene a taskforce with the local government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government. Last June, Government approved the establishment of a Local Democracy Taskforce. It was tasked with bringing forward a programme of reform on strengthening local government to ensure more effective and efficient delivery of services and implementation of Government policy for citizens.
Over the span of a year, the Taskforce carried out intensive work across the local government sector. The Local Democracy Taskforce Report was subsequently published on 22 July 2026, alongside the launch of the Government's Implementation Plan for Local Democracy Reform 2026-2029. These documents can be found on gov.ie.
I have discussed a number of issues with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the context of the upcoming Budget. I will continue to engage with the Minister and look forward to working with him in advance of Budget 2027 and beyond.
Regarding any budget or taxation measures proposed by this taskforce, as the Deputy will appreciate, such decisions are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, having regard to the sound management of the public finances and the commitments set out in the Programme for Government.
It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or financial matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions. Furthermore, expenditure allocations are a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and will also be decided as part of the forthcoming Budget.