Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State will do so. That is why he is such an eminent senior counsel.

The word "may" has been an issue in legislation before. The Minister of State may come up with a better word than "shall". He could use the Minister "will" which is also a strong word. There is tremendous support in the House and throughout the country and among local authority members, whom we represent, for the establishment of these committees.

The bringing forward of the concept of local policing committees acting in conjunction with local representatives is a great opportunity on which the Government, the Minister, Deputy Michael McDowell, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, should be commended. It offers a new and enhanced role for local authority members. We would like it to become a reality sooner rather than later. There is a concern that if it does not happen under this Administration it may never happen. I hope Deputy Brian Lenihan, who is a very prominent Minister of State with a great future in Government, will ensure this becomes a reality.