There is merit in separating the roles of local councillors and Oireachtas Members. These roles are complementary, however, and councillors and Members can help each other, which is what they should do. An example would be councillors asking Oireachtas Members to help them with problems that cannot be solved at local level. The separation of these roles has merit in that it will encourage greater participation. More people will become involved and that is why reports recommend this change.