Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not normally contribute to legislation, as Leader, but this is about my city and I make no apology for standing up for my city and for articulating views on behalf of`the people of Cork. I apologise if I am labouring the point and I reflect on the views expressed by Senator Warfield and I will not contribute on Galway at all in the debate. It would be remiss of me, as Leader of the House and as a public representative elected since 2004 in Cork city , and as somebody who has been involved in civic and sporting life in Cork if I did not contribute. I want to welcome the Minister of State's point. I acknowledge that the local authorities of Cork city and county have been working on the register of electors and that a public information campaign will be launched in January and February. The point that Senator Lombard is making, however, which I also am articulating, is that there is a need for extra resources to be given, which should not be taken from the budget of the councils from this or next year. Extra money should be given in order that we can give people ownership.