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Wexford County Council

Rank: 
30
Overall Score: 
23%
7
30
Population (2016): 
149,722
Province: 
Leinster
Area (sq km): 
2,365

Transparency

Score: 
2

The indicators in the Transparency category measure the local authority’s publication practices.

T1

Are minutes of council proceedings provided online and in a timely manner?

As of 29 January 2018, the latest meeting minutes were from November 2017

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Council Websites

T2
Was the local authority’s approved annual budget and budget commentary for 2017 available online?
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Council websites

T3
Does the local authority publish online a searchable database of past and current planning applications, with complete documentation for each application?

TI Ireland researchers found various files in which submissions are acknowledged, but the submissions themselves aren't published

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Council websites
T4
Are written submissions and observations submitted by the public on city and/or county development plans published on the local authority’s website?
There is a Chief Executove report on the pre-consultation submissions for the new plan (post 2019) but nothing for the current plan
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Council websites
T5
Are written motions submitted by Councillors on city and/or county development plans published on [the development plan pages of] the local authority’s website?
No motions found on the development plan pages
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Council Websites
T6
Does the local authority publish on its website a list of all purchase orders raised for goods and services over €20,000, on a quarterly basis?
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Council websites
T7
Does the local authority publish comprehensive information on its procurement process on its website?
As of 11 December 2017, there is a link to eTenders, but no information on procurement policies or contracts awarded
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Council Websites
T8
Does the local authority periodically publish reports on councillor expenses and payments online?
Only 2016 Q1 expenses were posted as of 20 November 2017
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Council Websites
T9
Do the reports on councillor expenses and payments provide sufficient information?
Councillor attendance is not included and claims are not disaggregated by event/trip
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Council websites
T10
Are councillors’ Donation Statements published online?
No statements found on the Council's website
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Council websites
T11
Does the local authority publish information online on the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, including a complete list of its ‘Designated Public Officials’?
As of 20 November 2017, there is no mention of Councillors, who are also designated public officials
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Council websites
T12
Does the local authority’s Chief Executive publish his/her diary?
No diary found
Source: 
Council websites

Accountability

Score: 
2

The indicators in the Accountability category assess the measures the local authority has in place to promote accountability.

A1
Does the local authority provide a confirmation of receipt of FOI requests within two weeks?
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FOI Responses
A2
Does the local authority provide a decision on FOI requests within four weeks?
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FOI Responses
A3
Does the local authority publish a comprehensive protected disclosures policy and procedures on its website?
There were no protected disclosures policies or procedures online at the time of checking, on 8 August 2017
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Council websites
A4
Does the local authority publish online its annual report on protected disclosures?
There was no protected disclosures webpage as of 8 August 2017, and no mention in the last annual report
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Council websites
A5
Are the local authority’s audited financial statements published online?
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Council websites
A6
Does the internal audit unit enjoy full operational independence?
This question was included in TI Ireland's FOI request to the local authority. That response was due by law on 31 January 2018, and as of 7 February 2018, no answer was received.
Source: 
Local Government Audit Service reports, council websites and FOI requests
A7
Did the local authority report that it has procedures in place to investigate alleged contraventions of Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 by councillors and relevant employees?
No procedures shared
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Emails to local authorities
A8
Was the local authority’s 2016 annual report published online?
As of 25 July 2017, the latest report posted was from 2014.
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Council websites
A9
Does the Council allow members of the public to attend its monthly meetings?
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Phone calls to local authorities
A10
Was the Council fully responsive to requests from the public (i.e. in this case TI Ireland)?
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Phone calls and emails to local authorities

Ethics

Score: 
3

The indicators in the Ethics category measure how prepared the local authority is to fulfil its duty to prevent unethical conduct.

E1
Were the 2016 Registers of Interests for council members available online?
The declarations are out of date, as of 27 November 2017. However, the publication of the returns in excel format is to be commended.
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Council websites
E2
Does the local authority have a comprehensive up-to-date page within its website dedicated to ethics and/or governance?
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Council websites
E3
Did the Local Authority report that its Ethics Registrar proactively reviews the completeness of ethics declarations filed in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001?
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Phone calls to local authorities
E4
Does the local authority maintain and publish summary data on reports received by the Ethics Registrar and/or Chief Executive, with respect to possible contraventions of Part 15 of the Local Government Act, 2001?
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Council websites
E5
Did the local authority report that it has an up-to-date risk management or alert plan, addressing corruption and fraud risks?
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Emails to local authorities
E6
Does the local authority publish online a risk management or alert plan, addressing corruption and fraud risks?
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Council websites
E7
Did the local authority report that it takes a proactive role in preventing employees from taking on certain positions in the private sector, whether during or following employment?
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Emails to local authorities
E8
Did the local authority report that it proactively informs individuals of their obligations under the Regulation of Lobbying Act?
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Phone calls/emails to local authorities