Seanad Public Consultation Committee launches Report on the Future of Local Democracy; recommends setting up Local Democracy Task Force after the next General Election

The Seanad Public Consultation Committee chaired by the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, today launched its final report on its public consultation on the Future of Local Democracy, in which Senators recommend the establishment of a Local Democracy Task Force.

In finalising its Report on the Future of Local Democracy, the Committee has agreed to recommend the establishment of a Local Democracy Task Force, with 25 recommendations in total. These recommendations include the composition of the Task Force and the matters it should focus on, the need to review the financing of local government, potential supports for councillors and changes to the powers and functions of local authorities.

Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad Senator Mark Daly, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Committee, has written to all the party leaders on behalf of the Committee, to recommend that the establishment of the Task Force be included in their manifestos for the upcoming General Election and the next Programme for Government.

The report marks an end to the Committee's latest consultation, which opened in July 2023 and continued for much of the last year. The Committee opened the consultation with a call for submissions, where it sought input from a range of stakeholders on this topic.

Following its evaluation of submissions, the Committee held public hearings with a range of stakeholders, including councillors, Lord Mayors, Mayors and Cathaoirligh of local authorities, Ministers and former Ministers with responsibility for Local Government, a number of representative organisations and bodies in the local government sector, and leaders and representatives from political parties. In total, five public hearings were held between November 2023 and July 2024.

Commenting on the some of the issues considered during the consultation, Senator Daly said: "From the submissions we received, and our discussions during the public hearings, many consistent themes emerged, including the difficulty in attracting people to run for re-election and as first-time candidates.

"This is far more pronounced when attracting women, young people and members of minority communities. This is a serious issue because the representation of these voices in local government is vital in providing a society that is fit for purpose for everyone who lives here. Further issues included concerns as to safety, the long hours required of local representatives and the ability to effect real and meaningful change."

The Rapporteur to the Committee for the consultation, Senator Shane Cassells, echoed the issues regarding abuse and harassment, but also highlighted the need to re-balance local authority functions and enhance supports available.

Senator Cassells said: "I am pleased that the Committee has arrived at a conclusion to this consultation, and the recommendations set out in this report provide a solid basis on which the Task Force we are suggesting be set up may conduct its work. Some of the further areas this could examine include the functions of local authorities and how powers are allotted within local government structures. Ensuring councillors are fully supported in their role is also an important factor in safeguarding our democracy at a local level."

Senator Daly, on behalf of the Committee, thanked all those who participated in the consultation: "As we conclude this consultation, I wish to extend my gratitude to all who contributed to and assisted this consultation over the last 15 months. The recommendations in this report are the culmination of all the excellent ideas and suggestions made to the Committee, and the report proposes a format in which this work may be progressed into the future."

The Report on the Future of Local Democracy is available on the Oireachtas website. The submissions will also be made available on the Committee's webpage.

The Seanad Public Consultation Committeewas established as part of new procedures to open access to Seanad Éireann and its work, and examines areas related to the legislative powers of Seanad Éireann and public policy.