Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

Yes, but this relates to an issue I wish to raise on the Order of Business. I telephoned the station to complain about the lack of balance but my comment was not aired in the programme.

The issue I wish to raise is one that does not appear to have been raised during the discussion on Seanad reform. It is the importance of the relationship the Seanad has with local government. Many people have suggested, in the context of Seanad reform, that the Seanad take on the role of monitoring European affairs. However, it is important that we maintain and strengthen our link with local government. Most Senators are elected by county councillors and many councillors have also been Members of the Seanad.

With the loss of the dual mandate I fear, as do many Deputies and Senators, that because we are no longer practising councillors we will lose that monitoring role in terms of raising problems with local government and may lose sight of the importance of local government, reform that is required and so forth. It is important that the Seanad maintains its link with local government in any proposed reform and in its debates. Pending Seanad reform, we should consider some way of structuring a link with local government because it is most important. At the end of the day, councillors are the representatives who are closest to the general public.