Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I noted the Minister of State indicated the Department was working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to face up to these financial challenges. I understand the pressure that always has to be put on to try get the money in place for the local authorities. However, the reality for many people, as well as the workers and executives in the local authorities, is that they are trying to do their best to manage with a budget which is inadequate. To say it will be up to public representatives and councillors around the country to try to balance the books is almost to slip into something which does not make any sense to anyone. The problem is not that local authorities cannot balance the books but that they will not have enough money to pay for the services they need to provide.

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