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

I acknowledge what the Minister has said in regard to what he believes and the manner in which he has set out devolved powers to district councils, as I will continue to call them, as well as the option and the powers that remain with the local authority to devolve further powers. Perhaps the Minister could set this in train at this early stage and ask local authorities to begin this process, as they see fit, in order to have brought finality to it before the elections take place next May.

I am still disappointed the Minister does not believe it is necessary to allow the terminology to include the word "council". In my own county, for example, in any correspondence or communication they have, they now refer to themselves as Offaly local authorities, made up at present of Birr Town Council, Tullamore Town Council, Edenderry Town Commission and Offaly County Council. I do not believe it would have any adverse effect on the workings of that local authority and its function in devolving powers to district councils, of which there would be only three. It would give greater credence and authority to many candidates and councillors alike, as they seek the affirmation and support of the electorate in order to serve on those district councils, to be able to say that person is being elected to the overarching Offaly local authority with specific responsibility, as devolved by that authority, to a municipal district, with the effect of having responsibility for many devolved powers, as the Minister said.

I reiterate that this process should now begin, in addition to the list the Minister has drawn up, and for it to be added and agreed across the country prior to any election taking place. It is in that vein I believe it is an easier sell to the public because they will feel they are electing a person to a district or area who can effect change and progress in that area for which they are elected, and have the funding available to them to do so.

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