John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not think there is. If I had the report in by February or March, I would love to implement it immediately. However, it has to go to through Government and it has to go through other Departments. Being perfectly honest, the new local authorities that will be elected at the end of May next year would be the obvious starting point. If it could be sooner, I would love it to happen.

I must reiterate that the discussions I had with Sara Moorhead were principally in respect of the scheduling of reports and who will be making submissions. I was keen - and I was impressed by Ms Moorhead's keenness - that there should be different levels of public consultation and with the councillors.

The report I referred to predates my time in the Department. It was compiled by the Department in conjunction with each local authority. More than 50% of councillors in the State responded. The average number of hours worked by them was reported to be 26 or 27 per week. The Senator is correct when he says that for many councillors it is seven days per week. If 26 or 27 hours is the average, then half the councillors put in less than that while half put in more. I cannot remember the exact number that responded. It may have been 55% or 60%. The councillors in that survey themselves said it was a part-time job. It is not me saying this; it was based on the survey commissioned before I even became Minister of State.