Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I support the call by Senator Ó Murchú and others for a debate on the Gaza situation but I do not want it to be a political one. As far as I am concerned, this is a humanitarian issue. These are decent people who are friends of ours. Reference was made to former a Fianna Fáil Deputy, Chris Andrews, who has a long record in human rights, as did his late father. They are not out there for fun. They are genuine people and we must support them. I would like a debate to take place.

Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to attend the House to debate local government? We have not had a debate on local government for some time and there is a threat to its future. It is only ten years since we celebrated the centenary of county councils. It is one of the few things the British left us which has proved to be positive and valuable.

There is a serious threat to local government as we approach the budget and there is a fair amount of speculation about the abolition of town councils, which I will oppose because it would be a disaster, and a VEC-type amalgamation of councils. If the VEC template is used, it will be a disaster. Many of us became Members of this House through the councils and we are dependent on county councillors to keep us here. It is a very democratic system. I want to see the role of the councillor and our county councils protected. Will the Leader arrange such a debate?