Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I accept the broad thrust of Deputy Penrose's proposition, and that my Government colleagues and I have a collective responsibility in this regard that I must discharge. I take on board the Deputy's opinion that my Department should meet local authority managers. Traditionally, it was a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. On an individual basis, I meet local authority managers as I travel the country, but there may be a case to be made for a more formal approach. Equally, I would be prepared to work with the committee of which the Deputy is Chairman to focus on this issue and to develop an Oireachtas policy framework.

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