Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I thank the Minister for his reply. The Minister mentioned there would be an implementation plan after the policy statement is introduced. Does he anticipate that many of the changes will be in place before the local elections, due to take place in 2014? There is a real desire for reform in this area and it is difficult to see how there could be Oireachtas reform without having local government reform in conjunction. There will be an acceptance of change and this is a unique opportunity. Does the Minister propose to have mergers or does he intend to make changes to the town council structure? Will there be fewer town councils, or more? Will the county system still be regarded as the primary tier of local government or, in the event of mergers, will the Minister propose changes to that tier?

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