Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Yes. Let us not be semantic.

In the context of the Minister's contribution and his outline of a vision, he asked Senators for specific proposals or insights into local government, which is what we rely on to be elected. I am heartened by the fact that he is not being specific about any reduction of local government, but I appreciate that in the current economic climate there will be some meaningful reforms. In the proposals he will bring forward to expand the role of local authority members I ask him to take into account that we have, in the post-Soviet era, the most centralised form of government in the entire European Union and beyond. I hope, as a reforming Minister and someone who served in this House with great distinction - I had the pleasure of serving with him - and who has been a member of a local authority he will be a crusading Minister when it comes to local government reform. We are fortunate that he is in this position and I look forward to seeing his proposals. I hope everything he does will enhance local government and give more functions and powers to it rather than, as has been the trend for decades, centralise government even further. I appreciate the necessity for him to consider a regional structure, particularly when it comes to the provision of infrastructure, but I hope his proposals will enhance the role of local government rather than that of central government.