Mistake to say ‘bloated’

JOHN Mulligan is mistaken to say that Irish local authorities are “bloated” (Letters, Dec 21) when local authority staffing has fallen by 20% since 2008.

Prior to this, independent analysis by the OECD found that staffing levels were in line with international norms.

Mr Mulligan also seems to be unaware of the Government‘s policy of amalgamating certain local authorities. For instance, mergers of Limerick city and county councils, and of North and South Tipperary councils, which are currently underway.

By their efforts, and with the assistance of the Croke Park agreement, local authority staff are ensuring that the level and quality of local services has been maintained as funding and staff numbers fall.

Bernard Harbor

National Secretary

IMPACT trade union

Nerney’s Court Dublin 1