Mr. Hugh Creegan:

A number of options were looked at in that report. I know the Cathaoirleach is aware of it. One was to integrate them into the NTA but, for various reasons, it recommended against that. We value the local connectivity that those units provide. They are the people on the ground who are closest to where the services are being provided and who have the most knowledge. We have to be cautious that that amalgamation does not lose the local knowledge and connection to the community that we currently have. Some level of amalgamation may be possible but we do not to lose that source of information.