Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

Many local authorities are approaching the time for estimates and budgets again. This is an appropriate time for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House to debate local government funding. Such funding is inadequate, particularly when one considers that a very small section of the community – the business sector – seems to pick up the shortfall, as it will have to do for benchmarking when the time comes.

This area needs to be reviewed in a detailed debate because while the business community can afford to pay its share, and a little more than its share, it cannot be expected to pay for all. That is what has been happening in every local authority area, with inordinate percentage rises in rates and contributions in recent years. I would appreciate an urgent debate on this matter.