James Bannon (Fine Gael)

How would he like it if Brussels ran his affairs? The real problem with local government today is reform of the funding structures. The Minister has failed to recognise that. Successive Ministers in the Department took power from the local authority in regard to rates and other types of charges. These powers have been centralised and the Minister is continuing the process, which is shameful and disgraceful. This is not happening in any other country in Europe.

It is time for the Minister to get his act together and give the power back to the local authorities. Local government must be decentralised. This is what is being demanded. We oppose this section tooth and nail.