Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Local government funding has always been a major issue. When I was a member of a local authority, we were always fighting over it. I am aware that most of the local government funding comes from property and motor tax, with the Exchequer topping it up. With regard to the discretion that was given to local authorities to reduce it by 15%, local authorities should not be penalised as a result of that or lose the Exchequer funding if a shortfall arises. That is important because issues have arisen in some local authorities with the delivery of services, which are proving very difficult. The Minister should take that on board.

I have always believed that funding from motor tax should be used for what it was intended, namely, the road network, infrastructure and so on. There should not be any variation from that.