James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House for a debate on local government funding? The recent budget allocated less than 2% of funding to local government, creating a serious situation for local authorities. It is an essential element of a democratic state and the means by which important services are provided. Local government delivers public sewerage schemes, water, lighting and footpaths. Stealth taxes will be forced on local authorities because of the under-funding of local government, which received less than 2% of funding compared with 8% for the rest of the public service. Serious problems will arise as the estimates and budgets are compiled over the coming months. The water service in Longford is in difficulty. People do not have an adequate supply because the reservoir is out of date.