SPCs have enjoyed a honeymoon period over the past few years. Quite frankly, the members of local authorities are becoming frustrated with the rather ineffective operation of SPCs, which are supposed to influence policy at local level as a form of decentralisation function. However, if the dual mandate no longer applies, much local authority legislation will be implemented by executive powers. While I originally had confidence in the proposal with regard to the dual mandate some months ago, I am now quite worried about its abolition in the context of this Bill. In a situation where council members lack confidence in SPCs and are concerned about policy being dictated at their level, where do we stand as Oireachtas Members representing our various regions? We find ourselves in a very difficult situation.