Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I acknowledge the Minister of State's reply. I would like to speak about the consultation that may or may not take place between a county manager and the members of a local authority. If the decision is an executive one, it will be taken by the county manager irrespective of the views of members. This is particularly true of contentious issues, such as refuse collection services, which will be an extremely controversial issue on Cork County Council. It was controversial in the past when councillors had the power to set the cost of such services.

Perhaps one could examine the granting of planning permission and the allocation of houses in this context. The Minister of State referred to a practical distinction between the members and the manager. Those of us who have served on local authorities have appealed to county managers on behalf of constituents who have applied for planning permission or are looking for a house. All we can do is make representations, or attempt to influence the manager's decision.

The critical issue is the role of members of local authorities, which has been reduced somewhat by recent legislation. I will raise this issue every time this House debates Bills that have a direct impact on county and city councillors. I appreciate the Minister of State's remarks and I will withdraw the amendment on that basis. I will make this case when we are dealing with the issue of executive and reserved functions, irrespective of the legislation under discussion.