Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister of State agree that if there were a proper local government system there would be no need for all these different groups, bodies, offices and everything else? Would he consider discussing with his colleagues in Government the restructuring of the whole local government system and incorporating all of these volunteers, who have vast experience, into that system?

I agree with the Deputy when he suggests that what may be suitable in one area may not be suitable in others. A danger is that when this is administered on a national basis everyone gets the same, whereas if there were a local government system each local government could decide what is suitable for its particular area. The sooner we get down to examining local government, extending its powers and incorporating much of the good work of these organisations into a properly funded local government system, the better for everyone.

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