Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I disagree with the Minister's point that the system has been tested. The 1999 referendum fundamentally changed things and the system has not been tested since. The Minister said it will have the effect of ensuring councils adopt their estimates. The threat of an election would also concentrate minds. I do not think people would relish an election every few months. The Dáil cannot be abolished. If there was fundamental disagreement in the Dáil there would be an election. If that applies to the Dáil, why does it not apply to local government?