Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

There is a commitment in the programme for Government in relation to municipal authorities in towns over a certain population threshold. I had good time for Brendan Howlin, formerly of this House, on many issues, but he led the charge on this matter and subsequently sort of had regrets. From a democracy perspective, I believe local town councils and town commissioners were important. Very often, they were the first step on the ladder to political participation and representation. I happen, therefore, to believe in this, but, obviously, I will talk to the Minister in terms of the timelines for legislation to give effect to the commitments in the programme for Government.

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