Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Minister is aware that the debt of local government financing as of 31 December 2008 is €4.9 billion, which has led to many local authorities being in a serious financial position. A programme for Government review was agreed by the Minister's party and Fianna Fáil last Saturday. On 30 September the Minister stated that we cannot have a document that is not costed; it must be costed and it will be costed. What are the costs associated with the measures that will assist local government bodies to meet their financial targets over 2010 and 2011?

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