Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to acknowledge the strong feelings of Senator Nash on this issue, which I know are heartfelt in regard to what is best for Drogheda and its citizens. I will certainly convey that to the Minister. I also note the Senator's suspicions, although I perhaps do not agree with them, and I will inform the Minister of these. I will ask that a debate take place before a decision is made on foot of the receipt by the Minister of the independent review in regard to the boundaries in Drogheda and the other areas listed.

The Senator commented on the inability to make tough decisions. As he knows, we now have consensus politics within the Oireachtas. We have a minority Government and no decisions can be made without the agreement of the Oireachtas. If legislation has to be enacted in regard to this or any other decision, that has to be agreed by consensus.

I acknowledge the Senator's heartfelt views in regard to what is best for Drogheda. I have some experience of this, given a report was published recently in regard to the amalgamation of Galway city and county, and I was surprised to see some councillors rejecting the report even though they could not possibly have read it - they were out of the traps quicker than an e-mail could be sent. I am sure they have their own heartfelt views as well. I will certainly convey Senator Nash's views to the Minister, Deputy Coveney.