Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is the bottom line. The same people who will be representatives on municipal councils will also be on county councils. They will have a second bite at the cherry when it comes to matters such as the collection of moneys, how moneys are distributed to the various districts and municipal districts. The same people who will be concerned about the way money is distributed will have a say because they will be members of the plenary council at town, county and city levels which is not what happens at the moment. A town councillor cannot attend a county council meeting or seek money anywhere else. A municipal membership will mean that one can attend, advise and influence the outcome when it comes to the distribution of finances for the provision of services, which may be based on the population or whatever criteria is approved by the plenary body at county and city level. That is a fundamental difference to the present set up.

The people who will serve at municipal council level, and who are elected, will have meaningful powers. They will have a lot more powers and responsibilities to deal with the business on behalf of their people than at present. However, we cannot operate in isolation. We must be honest with each other. One is either elected to do something meaningful or positive or one is not. The powers that town councils have at present is unacceptable. I hope that the Senators can see that the overall suite of powers that municipal councils will be a massive improvement with the principle focus being the town or hinterland in which services will be delivered.

Senator Keane mentioned the naming of districts. That is a matter for the local government boundary review committee. For example, I shall not micro manage submissions from Kerry or anywhere else. If I did I would be accused of interfering in the process. I have not done that at national level and I will not do it at local level. The chips will fall where they fall. We cannot keep everyone happy when it comes to boundaries and we all know that as practising politicians. That is why we set up an independent process. Gone are the days when a Minister laid maps on his or her table and made the decisions. Those days are over and it is a welcome development. Ministers for the environment often thought they were smart and sought to influence boundary decisions.