In my county – Senator Brennan sits on the council with me and is aware of the situation – there has been a great deal of discussion at council meetings about the long-term future of refuse charges. Discussions about the future of refuse charges are still ongoing. Even though I was a member of the environmental committee, I do not remember deliberating on any aspect of the charges. If committees are to function effectively, they should deliberate on these issues far in advance of council meetings. The wider council could then be guided by the SPCs.