Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I note the Minister in reply to this and previous questions has moved away substantially from local government and devolution since the local elections. I wonder why. Regional authorities, gateway status and other buzzwords are coming to the fore in his language. This issue boils down to finance between Limerick city and county local authorities and how such an issue can be overcome within a county. Does the Minister agree it is better to achieve consensus on the financial package to compensate local authorities within a county? Does he also agree it is not appropriate without consensus to cross a boundary into another county, as was the case in Limerick and south Kilkenny in recent times?

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