Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

Regarding attendances at these consultative meetings, how representative were they? Would many of the people involved have a stake in the current set up and, perhaps, not be disposed towards considering that proposal? The fact that it was not raised widely might not signify that it does not have wider support.

I take the Minister of State's point about not setting up more structures or talking shops, etc. However, we are talking about a hands-on approach that effectively delivers services. In my view, this needs to spread beyond the existing structures.

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