Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all of the good news stories. It is understandable if people, given their position in opposition, want to play them as bad news stories. We totally understand.

I agree with much of what my colleague opposite, Senator Boyhan, said about the enlightened appointment of Deputy John Paul Phelan as Minister of State with responsibility for local government and reform. I agree that the Leader, in early course and when it is convenient, might arrange to have him in here for a debate with us on all of the issues and many questions that arise regarding local government. We have some crazy situations, as the Cathaoirleach well knows, in the deep south west. Having electoral areas covering three peninsulas, as in one case, and nine-seat and ten-seat areas is madness. People cannot be expected to cover that area. I accept that these councillors receive a meagre and paltry pittance for what is a six-day or seven-day job. They are front-line troops. Unlike us, they are the representatives-----