Michael McCarthy (Labour)

It is wholly inappropriate that the fact that managers of city and county councils are writing to Members of the Oireachtas around this time to invite us to Christmas briefings is being used as a pathetic excuse for the lack of regular meetings with those of us who were disenfranchised by the abolition of the dual mandate under which we could serve on local authorities. I reiterate the call I have made previously in the House for a debate on local government reform. I would like the Leader to arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, to come to the Seanad to debate local government, its reform and the issues relating to the role of Members of the Oireachtas which are not being adequately dealt with by local authorities. We are at a disadvantage because the system as it is operated by county and city managers disconnects us from local authorities and impedes our ability to perform our functions as public representatives.

I support Senator O'Donovan's call for a debate on fisheries. I suggest that the debate should be broadened to cover all aspects of marine affairs. The need for the Government to create a single marine Ministry covering all areas of this sector, including inshore fisheries and marine science, should be at the fore of any such debate. It is not helpful in a political sense that four or five Departments deal with various aspects of the marine industry.

I wish to respond to the comments of Senators Fitzgerald and McFadden about the centres of excellence. I do not think it is good enough that the centres of excellence are not yet up and running at a time when the level of service is being downgraded.