Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

They decided that an Upper House was unnecessary. Perhaps Senators should be careful when referring selectively to Denmark, as it now has a unicameral system. I agree with the Senator about Denmark's system of local government and I have used that example for many years. I am frustrated in one sense, as it should be stated that Denmark has such a good standard of waste management, as well as other facilities such as swimming pools, community halls and indoor and outdoor gymnasiums because households there pay the equivalent of about €5,000 or €6,000 in local taxation each year. I know certain Danish villages intimately, as I have been going to that country for about 25 years.

The system of decentralisation in Denmark works because local representatives have substantial revenue raising powers and local people are willing to pay high rates of tax. Disingenuous political leadership, which is widespread in Ireland, is not found in Denmark. It is unfortunate that many politicians here play on the public's fears in relation to a range of issues from a political perspective. I do not blame the Opposition, as all parties have been guilty of it over the years. A serious environmental price is now being paid for such behaviour in some areas, but we have to move on. I will support Senator Bannon fully if he supports a move to the Danish model. I hope he will explain to people that while rates are not being re-introduced, they will have to pay water charges, service charges, community funds and other charges, and the power to decide how the money is spent will be retained at a local level. Such a system operates in Denmark, the other Scandinavian countries and Germany. If we choose to adopt such an approach, we will have to take the responsibility that goes with it.