Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Any measure that would strengthen democracy would be welcome to me but I do not want to go further on this matter than I have gone. The Bill is unique and has been recognised as such by the various local authority representatives and council groups. The Association of County and City Councils, LAMA and the AMAI have all welcomed it to some degree.

There is no great point in pushing the matter much further. The Senator suggested it would go forward from the county manager. With respect, it is appropriate that it should because the county manager can arrange to have the report typed and sent up rather than putting that onus back on the councillors. It is proper that it should be that way.

The Senator has triggered some thoughts in my mind regarding section 37E(4). I will consider the subsection between now and Report Stage to see whether anything can be done. I do not believe that the amendment as worded would improve matters significantly and I would ask him to consider not pressing it.