James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for being with us while carrying this legislation through the House. We have had our political differences on this Bill and many other issues but I have always found him very approachable, even prior to my election to the Seanad. He is a good friend of local authorities and was the first local authority representative from Donegal when the Local Authority Members Association was established. As a Minister of State, he is co-operative in dealing with the association and tuned in to issues affecting local government. I also thank the officials of the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Seanad staff for their assistance in carrying through this legislation.

Financial strategy for local government is an issue that must be dealt with. There are numerous cash-starved local authorities, in particular the smaller ones that come from a low rate base. The whole issue of equalisation needs to be examined quickly. I wish the Minister of State well in his endeavours.