Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the disappointing aspects of the budget was its silence on local government, particularly regarding providing funding for the restoration of town councils. Members will know that Fine Gael, in the previous Government, showed fair contempt for democracy. It attempted to silence this House, which did not work out. The then Minister, Phil Hogan, had more success in silencing democracy at local level by abolishing town councils. Members will know that our rural towns are struggling. In my town, Listowel, despite the best efforts of a very go-ahead business community, there are many empty premises for sale and to let, and very little inward investment. The town councils were very important assets to towns such as Listowel and the Cathaoirleach's town of Killarney. My party, Fianna Fáil, is committed to restoring town government when we return to office. Our spokesman, Deputy Barry Cowen, has a very clear document outlining how we will do it. Over the next couple of years of the Government's term, I hope the issue of local government will come to the fore again. I hope there will be all-party support for Fianna Fáil's position on restoring town councils.