John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)

As the Minister is well aware, the merging of Government bodies is always fraught with danger. Job losses are inevitable, whether they are councillors, who one must remember are also workers, or local authority staff. Many are concerned about the potential for job losses. It is still unclear whether the independent commission could have been brought on board in terms of the Waterford Local Government Committee. I hope the committee will not be influenced by the Government. Its members must not be former members or supporters of the Government or related to members of the Government. This is a reasonable concern, given that the decision pending which is due in February could result in job losses.

The Minister who was a very good councillor will know that county and city councillors work at the coalface. I will be nice to the Minister for a couple of seconds. He realises these people know what is happening on the ground. With regard to the European study, we represent more people than many other councils. It would be a disaster were the Minister to consider reducing the size of city or county councils. That would not be in line with local government reform or being up-front with people.

I gather the Minister will be in contact with city and county local authorities before any decision is made and I am delighted this is the case.

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