John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will try to get through as many of the points raised as possible. In that context, I tend to take too many notes. I thank the Members who contributed to the debate. More than expected did so.

Deputy Cassells spoke first and expressed emotions, which I have felt myself in the past, about the campaign by members of Louth County Council to extend their remit into County Meath. I know how those particular matters can be very contentious locally. The Deputy also referred to the boundary of the town of Navan and said that the zinc mine is in the county council area. The Deputy raised the restoration of town councils with me previously. I have stated on the record - Deputy McGuinness might have been present when I did so - that the best thing the former Minister and now European Commissioner, Phil Hogan, did was abolish to town councils. I do not know how any democrat could stand over a situation where a select few people get two ballot papers in a local election while everybody else gets one. I do not subscribe to having two levels of representation at local level for some while the rest of us just have one. However, there should be a properly integrated local government structure between urban and rural areas. Deputy Cassells indicated his support for the Cork city boundary extension and the proposed merger of the councils in Galway. Perhaps the meeting to which Deputy Ó Cuív referred took place at a different time.

See this speech in context