Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit anseo inniu. There is no doubt that the legislation is radical but there are inherent dangers with all radical legislation. In this case, some of the dangers, their extent and significance, will not become evident until the new reform is in operation and, therefore, it will be too late to reverse them in many cases. Some of the proposals are so radical that once they are implemented that will be it.

At this stage we are entitled to ask the following questions and seek answers. What price change? Is it at the expense of democracy? We must also ask ourselves whether the legislation dilutes local democracy. I believe that it does and shall touch on the subject in a moment.

I note with interest that my home town got specific mention in the Minister's speech here today. The reason that Cashel was given special mention is not because he expected me to speak about the matter. It is due to the status that Cashel and its tourism has always held.