In light of this, would the Minister of State consider reviewing the allocation provided in the pre-budget Estimates for the local government fund with a view to increasing the allocation to reflect the rising costs local authorities face in the execution of their functions? If the Minister did that, local authorities would not be tempted to significantly increase their take from commercial rates to balance their books. It is essential that the allocation include appropriate remuneration for local authority elected members, who give so generously of their time, and for their sterling commitment to the effective representation of their constituents.