Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I would like to ask the Minister of State about the NDFA, the role of which is to advise, as Senator Mansergh has mentioned. Staff of local authorities were traditionally the best placed persons to give advice on the ground. Will the new agency seek advice from representatives of local authorities? If not, where do we stand in relation to the last Government's policy, as outlined in Better Local Government? Does this Bill create another layer of bureaucracy that is tightening the purse strings of the Government when it comes to funding local authorities? It is understandable that confusion exists, as the role of local authorities in the tendering process is unclear if another agency is giving the ultimate advice and is charged with ensuring that value for money is assured.