Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was not involved on Committee Stage; I am not a member of the committee. I am not denying the hard work of the Department and Minister, as referred to by colleagues. However, I fundamentally disagree with the Bill because, as Deputy Colreavy stated, it is creating a bigger divide between the people and public representatives. In our case, south and north Tipperary are being bulldozed together. As I stated, the costs will be huge. The Minister cannot answer my question on this. We will see the result in time to come.

The legislation is putting people last and getting rid of elected town councils. In Tipperary, they have served for centuries. Councillors have been voluntary in the main and would work voluntarily again if they were left to it. The legislation errs in that it is not putting people first; it is putting people last. I believe it will be challenged in another forum. Perhaps that is why the date for the local elections has not yet been fixed. While reference is made to 23 May, we will see whether that stands. I wonder why all the authorities were allowed to pass their estimates for a full year if they are to be terminated well before the first half of the year. I cannot wish the legislation well because I believe it is founded on a false premise and neglects the views of local authorities. I do not know why the local authorities' representative organisations did not stand against the Bill. Sin scéal eile. The legislation is putting people last and the Government will find that out when it goes back to meet the people in 2016 or another time.

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