John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is to give back that sense of autonomy. I believe the previous local government reforms went very far in that the size of the areas created were too big. We changed those in the terms of reference under which the review group is operating. I fundamentally believe, and I said it previously here, that the decision to ensure one person, one vote in a local election, whether one lives in Carlow town or in the countryside, is the right approach. Some people got two votes. Others got one. That was unfair. It is how we marry the urban governance with the county council. That piece is being refined at present.

Senator Murnane O'Connor said she firmly believes that I am not listening to councillors. I listen to councillors every day of the week but I do not have a magic wand.