Denis Landy (Labour)

I rise in support of my colleague, SenatorDiarmuid Wilson, who has called for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, to come to the House to discuss his proposals on the future of local government. It is extremely important that the Members of both Houses and also the representatives of the Association of County and City Councils should be the first people to whom he outlines his proposals. I was disappointed to discover the Minister's first real comment on proposed reform of local government was made at a planning conference in the marble city, Kilkenny, when he had ample opportunity at two other conferences that were organised by councils' associations to outline some, if not all, of his proposals. He did not take that opportunity. There is a requirement to show respect across the board and to take cognisance of the difficulties that will arise from these proposed changes. I fully support the points made by Senator Wilson on the process.

I support Senator Gilroy's call for a debate with our colleagues in the Lower House.