Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The proposal to abolish the Seanad is a matter for another Minister and the Government has not yet decided when that will happen. It is in the programme for Government and it will make a decision in due course. Directly elected mayors will be considered in the context of local government reform and no conclusions have been reached on that in Limerick, Dublin or anywhere else.

On the general view that public representatives do not contribute much to the savings, I agree that representational allowances and expenses are a small part of the overall budgets but they are supported by a considerable number of administrative and other staff across the various programme areas in town and county councils. At a time when there are very serious financial problems and when we are interested in devolving more functions and powers, and streamlining the effective delivery of services, it is only reasonable to consider the fact there are too many councillors and councils. This will be reflected in the proposals I will bring forward in two months. It is already reflected in what I am doing in Limerick city and county, and in north and south County Tipperary.

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