Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

One of the benefits of other speakers having preceded me last week is that I have had an opportunity to assess what they said and make my contribution accordingly. What has come across very strongly, even before the Bill reaches the other House, is the concern of many of those who are members of local authorities – I have been a member of an authority since 1979 – about the role of county managers, not only with regard to waste management plans but also in setting charges for waste. There have been many instances over the past 20 years of various Ministers stating their intention to reform and improve local government. I recall one such document produced by the former Deputy, Liam Kavanagh, when he was Minister for the Environment.

When it comes to estimates time on local authorities, we will discuss refuse charges, increased water charges and increased rates, but the focal point of debate in most council chambers will be refuse charges. It tends to be a contentious issue because charges are continuing to increase. Many councils have washed their hands of it already because private operators have taken over the service in certain counties. My county is still trying to retain the service. It is regrettable that the Minister would take the power to set charges away from councillors. It is a retrograde step and does not gel with talk of better local government.