Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Local government is a vital tier of government and it is the closest link to our communities. Judging by contributions today, we need a root-and-branch review of the funding and role of local government. It is long overdue. Many local authorities throughout this country are starved of funding. The business community in many counties has been carrying a disproportionate burden when it comes to the funding of local government. I come from a part of the world close to the Border and there is a unique position there with respect to the challenges of doing business on a daily basis. There is fluctuation in currencies and the added burden and stress of Brexit and what it will bring to our communities. It is high time some kind of economic zone was introduced for Border counties to help the businesses survive the difficulties they have, which most other parts of the country do not suffer. I look forward to the Minister of State's opinion on that.

The authority in County Monaghan recently went through a rates revaluation as well. Some sectors have been hit disproportionately again, including filling stations in small rural villages in the county, which have in some cases seen rates double or even increase by a greater rate. It is disappointing and people are scratching their heads about this while trying to make ends meet as they find money to pay that rates bill. It is part of the reason I seek some form of economic zone, particularly for the Border counties.

When we speak of local democracy, one of the most important components is the councillor. I welcome two of my colleagues, Councillors Cormac Devlin and Joe Malone, to the Seanad. It is disappointing that both Fine Gael and Labour, in its time, refused to accept the great work that county councillors do by remunerating them properly. They have been treated in a disrespectful manner until now. I look forward to the Minister of State's comments today on the publication of the Moorhead report; it must be very big as it seems to be very difficult to publish. I look forward to that and perhaps the Minister of State could comment on the timescale for the recommendations. Will he tell county councillors when they can expect to be properly remunerated for the great work they do?