Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I do not know whether that was a comment or a question. We will have to wait and see the proposals before we can comment. I believe that is what the Deputy indicated. I hope we will be able to get a fair measure of agreement on the need for reform, that more functions should be devolved from central to local government and that there should be greater operational efficiency in how we deliver the services. There is now also an opportunity to provide a source of funding and it will be interesting to see how seriously councillors will take their responsibility when it comes to providing the necessary funds for the provision of services at local level.

See this speech in context