David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I ask the Minister to be radical and bold in terms of genuine reform. I welcome much of the Minister's speech but, as previous speakers have said, we have been talking about local government reform for up to 30 years, and there have been many fine speeches. There was, for example, a White Paper on directly elected mayors from the previous Government. Where will that fit in with the Minister's proposals?

This should not be about cutting numbers or reducing the number of local elected representatives simply to save money. The key issue is the power and functions of local government and the services it can provide to local communities. In being radical the Minister should examine the areas of health, education and enterprise. He mentioned an enhanced and more explicit role for local government in economic development and enterprise support. That is important. The Minister might have seen the recent IDA figures, broken down on a county basis, and unfortunately the Minister's county, Kilkenny, fared badly, as did Wexford and Waterford. We must ensure there is balanced regional development. I would support any changes in structures relating to regional development, but the enterprise agencies must be included in that and be part of whatever reforms are being considered.

I must raise the potential merger of Waterford city and county councils. There is genuine fear about how that will play out. There is constructive criticism from many people. Waterford city is the gateway city of the south east. There is a real fear that in any potential merger, its gateway status could be diluted or lost. Those authorities also have an extensive history. Waterford Corporation and Waterford City Council have a deep association with Waterford city. One option the Minister could consider is the expansion of Waterford city out to areas in, for example, Ferrybank. There is a need to consider expanding the city in an efficient way to ensure it has proper services for the people in the area.

I urge the Minister to be bold and brave with local government reform. He should not play it safe nor put the sliotar wide of the bar. The Minister should score the goal when he has the opportunity to do so. If he does that, he will get the support of people throughout the country.