Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If Senator Walsh believes there are too many councillors in one area and not enough in another, he should table an amendment on Report Stage to have their number reduced in County Wexford and increased in County Galway. I am from Clifden and we are halfway to Dublin when we reach Ballinasloe.

I listened carefully to Senator Walsh because he usually speaks sense. In this case, he did not speak sense for the simple reason that he was wrong to suggest the Bill provides for nothing more than a change of name. Some 44 functions are being devolved to the district, all of which had been held by county councils, and 24 other functions will be devolved provided the councillors agree to do so. This means 68 new functions will transfer to district councils. This legislation means much more than a change in name for a county.

Councillors will have the power to vary rates on vacant premises as they see fit. This is a good provision. As the Minister indicated, district councillors will sit on county councils and will be able to speak up for their areas and make a case in respect of vacant premises in their area. Functions are being devolved. I accept it will make it harder for local councillors because there will be a strong lobby but one cannot have gain without pain. If one wants the devolution of functions to proceed, one must be prepared to take the pain that comes with the gain. I will speak on the other positive changes in the Bill when we reach them.