Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I suggest we have a cross-party meeting in this Chamber to discuss how we can enhance the role of local authority members. Like us, their role is defined in the Constitution and they, like us, need innovation. Local authorities on mainland Europe have far more responsibility than do ours. We want a mutually beneficial meeting with local authority members and want cross party discussion here on how we can push this issue with the Minister, Deputy Hogan. We want him to use his head and common sense to enhance the role of county councillors.