Mary White (Fianna Fail)

No, but we want to see the role of local authority members being enhanced.

When I sought election to the Seanad in 2002, I was not a member of a local authority, but I had been on the national executive of Fianna Fáil. During that election campaign I saw what local authority members did, and their role in communities is seriously underestimated. Having travelled throughout the country and been elected to the Seanad three times, I am aware of how local authority members keep communities together, particularly in rural areas. Those who write off their contribution to society or the political system do not know what they are talking about. The same is being said about the Seanad, that it does nothing. In my experience, anyone elected or re-elected to a local authority is working hard. One may be elected once, but one will not be re-elected without doing the work. I am very impressed by local authority members.

Local authority members are experts on issues to do with sewerage, housing and recycling. In economic times such as these, to which the Minister referred, their importance is evident. We cannot underestimate their impact in communities. They are the gateway to and backbone of our democracy and severely under-appreciated. They are the backbone of the local government system.

Local elections take place every five years and every resident over the age of 18 is entitled to be registered as a local government elector. It is tremendous also that people who are not citizens of Ireland are allowed vote in the local elections, which means that nationals and non-nationals have a voice.

Speaking on behalf of Local Authority Members Association, LAMA, members last week I stated that this has to be properly funded. I support a property tax and over the years I have supported the call that people should be charged for water. It is a scarce resource in the world. This money should be given to the local authorities. The local authority members should have control over it and power over what they do in their areas. We read regularly in the newspapers about what people in local authorities are doing in Europe. It is sad to see what has happened in our local authorities in that they do not have the control and the input into what is happening in their immediate local areas.

There is talk of reducing the number of councils but there is an increased number of people in many communities. According to the Central Statistics Office, County Laois recorded the strongest population growth in 2011 with an increase of 20% in just five years.

There should be better public relations in terms of the role of county councillors. Their voice must be heard and they need to be revered. I know from travelling throughout the country non-stop keeping in touch with my electorate the fantastic work county councillors do in their communities. They should be properly funded and have back-up research and resources to do a good job.

I thank the Minister for coming to the House and for his visionary speech. Our Leader, Senator Maurice Cummins, is an outstanding Leader of this Chamber. He is excellent, and we very much appreciate the innovations he has made in his efforts to retain the Seanad.