Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The Government and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have very recently announced the intention to introduce a new financial watchdog for local authorities and I gather there will be legislation setting up special audit committees to advise on spending plans, estimates and everything relating to finance and accounts. It will report directly to councillors at monthly meetings.

The current system is problematic for all councillors and there is a significant burden on them, which will probably increase. The estimates system is very complex and I am glad the Minister will meet the councillors' representative bodies. I hope he will have appropriate commensurate measures for the proper financial reward of councillors, who will shoulder a great extra burden.

We are aware of the current burdens, which include not only salaries and expenses, but proper pension provisions and severance packages. We properly paid tribute this morning to a great gentleman of Irish local authority life, who served for 44 years. People like that are being left behind with such provisions.

I wish to be associated with the congratulations being offered to the new Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, who deserves his position. I also wish to be connected to the various calls for a debate on the proper care of the elderly. Will the Leader comment on the proposed legislation dealing with the local authority area, to which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, made some reference?