John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. I share the concerns about the failure to abolish the dual mandate for Oireachtas Members who run for European elections. While I have no difficulty with the fact that a member of Údarás na Gaeltachta is currently a member of the European Parliament – more power to him – this is also a dual mandate of sorts. If we decide to abolish dual mandates, we should consider abolishing them across the board rather than solely for councillors who are also Members of the Oireachtas.

Senator Bannon raised the important issue of the level of access to local authorities for Oireachtas Members who have to give up their seats on local authorities. This issue has not yet been clarified. While I do not wish to address it in detail because it has already been discussed, I hope it will be resolved satisfactorily if the Local Government Bill 2003 becomes law.