Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. He has given greatly of his time in the past few weeks, which is appreciated by Members. I agree with Senator McCarthy that people do not like having to pay extra charges, particularly motorists, as most of us are these days. When the local government fund was established in 1999, it was specifically ring-fenced to subsidise local authorities, specifically for non-national roads and the day-to-day spending requirements of the authorities. The fund has increased greatly since then and in 2004 will amount to €1.148 billion. That is a massive increase. This is as a result of a commitment given by this and previous Governments to improving a number of aspects of life.

The money spent by local authorities affects every aspect of our lives. The operations of local authorities include the maintenance and development of the non-national road network, the management of the planning system, the upkeep of social housing, the operation and maintenance of public water and sewerage systems, waste management, the care of the natural environment, running fire services and community development — that is only a short list.

I looked at my area in Dublin and was amazed at the amount of facilities and services Dublin City Council provides. There are 1,400 hectares of parks and open spaces comprising 35 major parks and 760 public open spaces. This year, which is the year of sport and education, we have 36 playgrounds, 170 tennis courts, 265 playing pitches, basketball courts, sports halls and swimming pools. Those services are all provided as a result of the fund, and they affect every facet of our lives.

Last year, 99,956 fire and ambulance calls were responded to in Dublin city alone. The 5% increase in motor vehicle tax will work out as 27 cent for most drivers, and, given that more than 60% of our cars will fall into the lower category, it is good value for money. The Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, pointed that out in his speech.