Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I will not meet any representative of any local authority until such time as the group reports. It was set up to ascertain the position regarding possible synergy and efficiencies in the Waterford local government system. That will mean reduced charges and reduced waste of resources which occurs because of current duplication. The group is looking at all these issues and its terms of reference are very clear. I have full confidence in every member of the committees whose names I read out.

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