Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I get the Minister's point on the overall issue as well as the culling of councillors and abolition of town councillors. He has made a populist statement on this issue, which reflects the mantra he has used since the document was first published.

I specifically asked questions in respect of Dublin. The people of Dublin are entitled to be made aware of the sort of costs that can be associated with the expectation that, as the Deputy representing the Labour Party indicated, there will be a need for 60 additional councillors. I am sure those in the Labour Party will be delighted to think that their party's core urban base will be strengthened by virtue of this proposal.

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