Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Okay.

This morning's meeting shows the importance of local government, how seriously it is considered and the role it plays. Sometimes the public miss that. It is there all the time and it is one of those things that are taken for granted. If it was taken away, we would be in an awful position. The more we can improve it, the better, and we should work on that. I acknowledge as well the work of local authorities and of people in the Department over the last two years. The local authorities played a vital role in helping us to get through the pandemic and the difficulties it caused across society. We are in a better place because we have local authorities. Yes, improvements have to be made and it is hoped we can do that.

I thank the witnesses for joining us for the meeting and the staff of the Department for the work involved in preparing for the meeting. I also thank the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. McCarthy, and his staff for attending the meeting.

Is it agreed to request the clerk to seek any follow-up information and carry out any agreed actions arising from the meeting? Agreed. Is it also agreed that we note and publish the opening statements and briefing provided for today's meeting? Agreed.

We will suspend the meeting and resume in public session after lunch to deal with correspondence and any other business of the committee, and take private business at the end of the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.