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

We have had the Committee Stage proceedings, Senator, during which we told everybody about what happened in south Kilkenny and New Ross; therefore, we are beyond that phase.

I thank Senators because I fully appreciate that they have a very close relationship with local government, particularly their electorate. Some 43 Senators have a very close relationship with their electorate, councillors in particular. I also know that graduates have a slight interest in what goes on here in terms of local government reform. The structures, functions, funding, governance and operational arrangements of local government are going to be different and I certainly look forward to seeing how they work. Of course, future Governments will have an opportunity to change these arrangements again, if they wish to do so, but we have made an honest effort in this House and I have tried to take on board a number of amendments in order to achieve high quality legislation. I hope we will be able to have certainty of implementation and, most importantly, the funding operations in the years ahead to deliver for the people we represent.