Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

Lest it be thought I was opposed to this amendment because of my opposition to the devolution of powers to local government, I wish to speak to the Act and to the amendment, in that the Act referred to as "the Act of 1971" is the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971. The Minister of State referred to the local government body that has responsibility at present and so this is the Act that is governing the body. Consequently, Members are discussing and are working on local government. This is not at all about devolution of functions but pertains to the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971. I would be completely in agreement with the amendment, were it the case that local government was being left out and regional government or centralisation was being included in an Act, or that some functions were being taken that were not there. However, it is the opposite because this Bill pertains to the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971, which is a local government Act. The amendment should be ruled out of order because it does not refer to the points on which the Senator has spoken. I agree with the Senator's point that local government should always be considered in any devolution of function or powers at local level. However, I wish to put on record that I will be with the Minister in this regard.