Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I jumped ahead of myself and dealt with three other amendments that follow this. I acknowledge the Minister’s response to my amendment and accept that when we reach Report Stage he may be in a better position to accept a variation of what I propose, which is essentially a replacement body to reflect the views and aspirations of those confined to an area such as a town council that is lost, or a town or village lost within the larger geographical spread of a municipal district council.

What I am proposing here would be voluntary by nature. I accept that a consultation process is ongoing and will be making recommendations. I hope those recommendations will reflect some of what is proposed here. While I do propose to press the amendment, I hope the Minister might be in a better position on Report Stage to accept at least some part of what I am suggesting.