Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I do not regard this particular policy proposal as a White Paper but rather an action plan. We have enough documents in the Department. I am anxious to make the announcement as soon as possible about whatever is ready and I will put those proposals to Government as soon as possible. Equally, I wish to do so when I am ready and when I am of the view we have the appropriate co-operation, buy-in from Departments and some measure of agreement on what services can be more appropriately delivered at local level.

I do not subscribe to the abolitionist mentality of the McCarthy report. Reform is not a question of abolition but rather a case of putting new and more effective arrangements in place. In reply to Senator Landy, I did not say that town councils were inefficient. If he reads carefully he will see what I said.