Real local government is about the ability and power to make decisions at local level. This Bill was retrograde in the sense that it took power away from local councillors. Local government was devoid of enough powers without the Minister taking away further powers. In many instances this has led to refuse charges reaching more than €600 which is a huge extra household bill that would not have come about if the decision to levy that charge had remained with members of local authorities. While a waiver system exists, by and large, it is for those on the margins. We have to consider people on low incomes who may be unable to pay a bill of such magnitude. This legislation was a project in avoiding the political resistance that would have come about if such levies were imposed by elected councillors. It was a contentious issue in most councils and Cork was no different in that regard. When the country was awash with money it was not too much of a difficulty but given the weaker financial situation now it would be much more difficult to implement. The role of elected county council members was eroded by that legislation.