Mr. Donal Enright:

An equalisation model has been used over the years for the purposes of making local government fund allocations to local authorities. I think it started in 2000. It is based on detailed annual returns from local authorities. It was used up to 2007. The principle of equalisation has continued to be used for general purpose grant allocations since 2008. As the equalisation process continues, the amount is consolidated into the baseline so that the changes made are continued through in future years. This means local authorities will gradually move towards a position of greater equity in the amount of money they have. At a time when funds are tight and things are generally difficult, the process used to make allocations to local authorities must ensure they have the resources they need, compared to each other, to provide a reasonable level of service. That is possibly not what the Deputy-----