Councillor Hughie McElvaney:

I just want to say hello to Deputy James Bannon and Senator Denis Landy. I am also delighted to have the backup of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland here.

We made a submission, as requested and while the general council is more or less a policy organisation for local councillors, we would be seen as a union for councillors. We are concerned with good facilities and conditions for our members. While we are getting used to the new regime introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, regarding the change in electoral areas etc., we are more into the business of ensuring councillors have good working conditions etc. Members have had the opportunity to read our submission and they may have questions for us. We are prepared to accept their questions now.