Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators who have contributed to the debate. I thank the Leader of the House and the Seanad staff for their co-operation in ensuring this Bill will be passed by both Houses before the statutory date. This Bill is important as it provides for the local government fund for various local authorities and ensures the increase of the general purpose fund by some 6%. It will also ensure the maintenance of the record levels of funding for the non-national roads at €434 million. That is in sharp contrast with €214 million in 1997.