Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I have a brief question. The Minister has mentioned many times that the election will take place in 2010. Is he giving an absolute assurance in this regard and what date has he in mind? Second, Members on this side of the House and certainly Fine Gael Members, wish to see proper devolution of government from the centre to the local. However, they do not wish to see the creation of another quango in the form of a directly-elected mayor without properly thought-out processes. Opposition Members had a meeting with the Minister at which they expressed some views.

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