Statement of Strategy Goal C Key Objectives and Actions

1.1 Continue to implement the Electoral Reform Act 2022, including making continued improvements to electoral registration by local authorities, and the development of the national electoral registration solution as provided for in Electoral Reform Act 2022

1.2 Support continued implementation of the new Higher Education Constituency for Seanad Éireann by the Central Registration Authority and engaging as appropriate with Designated Institutions

1.3 Provide the necessary support for the smooth running of elections and referendums

2.1 Ensure appropriate structures are in place to develop and implement policy in respect of fire and emergency management in the State, leading to a high quality, responsive, sustainable service for citizens

2.2 Review the Framework for Major Emergency Management (MEM) to ensure that mechanisms and strategies in place are robust, appropriate and effective

2.3 Review Fire Services Act and make recommendations for legislative change that will ensure that the future fire and emergency mechanisms in the State are supported by relevant legislative powers and requirements, as appropriate

2.4 Support the local government sector in the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of the Retained Fire Service

2.5 Working with the local government sector, ensure that the system for emergency call-taking for fire services is robust, resilient and operates in line with best practice

3.1 Ensure consistency of approaches and processes in place, in the department, to oversee the bodies under our aegis

4.1 Convene a ‘Local Democracy Taskforce’ with the local government sector to develop a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government

4.2 Ensure local government has an appropriate funding model to meet existing and emerging challenges, which is also reflective of the broad range of services delivered by the sector and on behalf of government departments and agencies

4.3 Ensure that the allocation model for Local Property Tax (LPT) continues to retain revenue collected locally in the same authority, and that the allocation model reflects the impact of revaluation adjustments on LPT yield

4.4 Support and monitor the impact of the new legal framework for commercial rates and support the introduction of Above the Shop living incentives through the reformed legal framework

4.5 Increase the number of mandatory meetings between local authority officials and Oireachtas members to twice yearly. Put in place timeframes within which queries from Oireachtas members and members of the public should be responded to. NOAC requested to oversee and report on performance of local authorities in this area

4.6 Enhance the mechanisms in place to allow local authority elected members to hold local authority senior management to account. In addition, explore ways to provide more comprehensive access to financial information, including a full account from the local government auditor to elected members

4.7 Launch a new political participation campaign to support and promote greater numbers and diversity amongst those competing for elected member roles in local authorities

4.8 Support the rollout of the Regional Women’s Caucus Network across all local authorities

4.9 Ensure additional family-friendly measures to enable a greater diversity and gender participation at local government level

4.10 Implement the recommendations of the review of Strategic Policy Committees (SPC), particularly those relating to training

4.11 Following the introduction of legislation to establish the Office of Directly Elected Mayor and to facilitate mayoral elections in Limerick, provide ongoing support to Limerick City and County Council and the Office of the Mayor of Limerick

5.1 Support transformation across the local government sector through implementation of the Strategic Framework for Workforce Planning in that sector

5.2 Work with the local government sector to ensure they have an appropriate resourcing model in place, a sustainable approach to sanctioning and funding of new and replacement posts

5.3 Maintain the integrity of qualifications in the local government sector

6.1 Enhance central government understanding of the local government sector with a view to developing consistency in terms of engagement when seeking to fund the delivery of services and projects by the sector