Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his presentation. It might be somewhat slack on detail but he sent many positive messages regarding the importance of local authorities. There are a number of words the Minister should consider. Identity is very important so perhaps the Minister would comment on it. Community is also important, and the Minister referred to it a number of times in his contribution. There is also accessibility where the members are concerned, value for money and accountability.

I recall an article written for The Irish Times by the editor of the Financial Times some time ago in which he made a comparison between small and big, which is a factor in the issue before us. He made a reference to Cashel and Dublin and said Cashel was a city when Dublin was a black pool. That refers back to identity. Cashel got its charter from King William on the bridge of Golden. The idea of a town council being abolished and not keeping identity and closeness to the people in mind would be wrong in itself. I hope, when it comes to town councils, that we will not put a brush across all of them, as that would undermine and send the wrong message to communities.

I ask the Minister to comment on the issue of achieving value for money where there is a partnership between the local community and the local authority. I have seen many projects which involved partnerships. If there were no partnerships, we would not get value for money.