James Heffernan (Labour)

I thank the Minister for his presentation and recent visit to County Limerick. I was not there to meet him, for which I hope he accepts my apology.

The Minister has said there are two distinct elements to local government, the first being effective and accountable democratic representation. From my colleagues I understand that in County Donegal there are 65 town and county councillors and that in County Wexford there are 61. In Limerick, as a result of the amalgamation, there are only 17 in the city and 28 in the county, making a total of 45. The Minister might take account of this when drafting legislation to deal with the amalgamation. Does he have any idea when we will see that legislation? I know of people who are wondering about changes to boundaries and such like. I ask the Minister to clarify that matter.