Mr. Michael Murphy:

I will comment on the restoration of the former borough and town councils. I appeal to this committee and Members of Seanad Éireann, who are our champions at the national level, to put the restoration of the former borough councils and, I believe, town councils over a certain population threshold back on the agenda. I am conscious that this is a political assembly and that we are heading into a general election. Political parties are framing their manifestos. The restoration of the former five borough councils and town councils over a certain population threshold should be put back on the agenda. Coming into a general election is an opportune time, notwithstanding the wider importance of the empowerment of local government and, as I keep saying, the better resourcing of local authorities.

Regarding my European role, there is real momentum across the local government sector for improved, better engagement with the European Union. There is an appetite to better understand EU policy and, in particular, EU funding opportunities. I will share our strategy for an enhanced Irish Regions European office based in Brussels and indeed the establishment of eight EU affairs officers based here in Ireland, who are an excellent resource for the 31 local authorities. That strategy has been presented to the Department of the Taoiseach. That strategy is currently with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for consideration. I believe it is under active consideration at the moment. I would appreciate the support of this committee and the rapporteur. The timing is perfect. I keep coming back to the 2026 Presidency that is fast approaching.

To answer Senator O'Reilly's question, the voice of local and regional authorities is being heard at the European level. There is a realisation in the Commission that the meaningful involvement of local and regional authorities in the EU policy and legislative framing process is crucial. One only has to look at our really ambitious targets in, for example, the context of the implementation of the European Green Deal and the digital agenda. Those ambitious targets will only be met with the meaningful involvement of local and regional authorities. Of course, the European Parliament is the main actor at the European level, but there is a realisation now that local and regional authorities are crucial.

I thank the committee for this opportunity. I also thank Seanad Éireann for being a champion of local government, its empowerment and better resourcing.