Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to accept the proposal made by Senator Murnane O'Connor in that regard. However, as we have done with other elements of Government policy, if there is a serious willingness to acknowledge that the role of councillors, their terms and conditions, work rate and remit have changed, let us not play political games. Let us collectively form an all-party cross-party group, to include Independents of all views, including Senator David Norris, members of the Independent group formed from the Taoiseach's nominees, Senator Gerard P. Craughwell's group and the political parties. Let us do this and not play politics with the role of councillors. We hear about the role of local government and talk about the reform of local government. The most important people are those who work within it - the officials and public representatives. I am happy to work with everyone here, provided there is no political gamesmanship and no attempts to score political points to try to get votes. We want to bring about reform and improve the role, remuneration and conditions of councillors. Senator Denis Landy made a very good point the last day on the mental health issue, one we need to discuss. If we are serious about doing this, let us deal with it in a manner that befits this Chamber. I will be happy to take the amendment on board in the spirit of all Members of the House, if that is agreeable to Members opposite.