Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The former Minister, Phil Hogan, played a massive part in their abolition which I have always believed was unfair. We advocate having directly elected mayors with executive powers in every city and subsequently every county such that every area would have its own town council. We need to see a return of town councils, combined with a new Cabinet-style system that would offer enhanced, effective accountability and a greater role for councillors in shaping policies. We also need to look at overhauling the commercial rates system, combined with full implementation of the local government efficiency review and enhanced auditing facilities to ensure value for money and efficient spending. Achieving value for money and efficient spending are crucial. The public depends on local authorities, the Seanad and the Dáil. Local authorities are key to everything that happens in an area. Therefore, we need to ensure councillors have their say. We need to support them.

I support the Bill and will be very disappointed if the Minister of State does not support it today. As a former councillor, a Deputy and a Minister of State, he is aware of the vital role played by councillors. He should, therefore, give the Bill his full support.