Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The Minister should leave it open. He should give councillors the power and do away with the reserve function for managers.

While the Minister is in office, there will be a vibrant team opposite him in the House. We want democracy not dictatorship in local government. We want councillors to have the power to make decisions. If they get it wrong, as many will, they will be kicked out. However, a manager cannot be kicked out and a reserve function cannot be changed. The Minister does not have that power.

See this speech in context