Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the status of the Brosnan Report; the discussions he has had with the author of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15592/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The report of the Limerick local government committee was published in September 2010. The core element of the committee's recommendations was that a single local authority for Limerick should be established in place of the current Limerick City and County Council. Other related recommendations included the election of a mayor of the new unitary authority after the 2014 local elections for the full-five year term of the Council; the retention by the new authority of savings arising from the restructuring and the use of these to lower rates within the current city area to levels pertaining in the county; and support for priority projects such as regeneration, including the incorporation of the two regeneration agencies under the new local government structure.

Since taking office, I have given careful consideration to the committee's recommendations and consulted with several relevant parties, including the chair of the committee, Mr. Denis Brosnan, Clare County Council, Limerick County Council and Limerick City Council. I am aware there is a wide level of agreement on the need to strengthen local government arrangements in Limerick. I anticipate that decisions will be taken by the Government in the next several weeks.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister did not consult with me. However, he need not worry because I agree with the report's recommendations. Local newspapers will have an exclusive at the weekend that the Minister has taken a decision to go ahead with the unitary authority. Perhaps there is a leak in the system. Of course, I am not saying we have a tradition of leaks.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Niall Collins would not want to believe everything he reads in the newspapers. I suffered in the past from leaks in the Department and I am not going to do so again. Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.