Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I would be grateful if the Minister of State could further clarify his comment on the ceremonial aspect of the Local Government Act 2001. I am assuming it relates to the debate generated at the time regarding boroughs and town councils. A number of boroughs, Kilkenny and Sligo for example, insisted on retaining borough status. Does the reference in this regard arise on foot of the concession by the then Government?

What does the Minister of State mean by "ceremonial" in respect of the section of the Bill being retained? The word may apply to the robes of office aldermen use in certain of the city boroughs, including Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Galway and Limerick. To the best of my knowledge, the other boroughs, such as Sligo and Kilkenny, do not have ceremonial robes.

My final question relates to Senator Brian Hayes's remarks on Schedule 1, to which I presume he will return. We are retaining a huge volume of statute law and I would be grateful for the guidance of the Chair on whether I can refer to one or two specific elements in Schedule 1.