Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

I bring to the Leader's attention the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General which noted that local authorities are holding approximately €1.2 billion in funds collected from developers to provide services and infrastructure. One hears daily about water and sewerage problems in Galway and other areas. These funds were collected for the purpose of providing such infrastructure. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to take urgent action in this regard.

The local authorities are supposed to spend development levies at local level but are failing to do so. Fine Gael Party Senators should note that their party is in control of many of the local authorities holding these moneys. What is it doing to manage local authorities? Government Members get it in the neck from the Opposition every day, yet Fine Gael Party members are failing to meet their responsibility to govern in the local authority areas where they have been elected. Action is needed in this area.