The other issue that needs to be examined in the abolition of the dual mandate is subsidiarity – the degree to which decisions can be made at local level. I do not mean it in the strict EU sense of the word. If representatives will not be moving between the Oireachtas and local authorities, then there needs to be a look at how subsidiarity will work. Commendable attempts have been made in the past by Governments to devolve more functions to the local authorities, but they have not always been successful and some members of local authorities refused to accept more responsibilities. This was evident in the case of legislation on waste disposal, when some local authority members would not take on the extra responsibilities associated with it. In those circumstances, I agree with the Minister that decisions must be made effectively, even if the powers to do so are devolved to a local authority executive.