Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator Craughwell's comments about our councillors across this country, no matter from which party they come. I am a former councillor and am all too aware of the work they do. A councillor is as important as a Senator, no matter what jurisdiction he or she is in. A lot of the money available as a result of policies adopted in these Houses goes to local authorities, and councillors are responsible for the oversight of that money. They are a critical part of local government but are not getting the recognition or remuneration for the work they do. We are losing high calibre councillors across the country, male and female, because they cannot afford to stay in their roles. That is wrong and needs to be put right.

I also concur with Senator Currie. Green Friday is a great idea.

I got to my feet to ask the Leader to find out if a gambling regulator has been appointed yet. Gambling has been an awful scourge on Irish society, and all societies. A gambling regulator is important when it comes to dealing with sporting organisations. I also ask the Leader to find out whether Sport Ireland has moved on a policy on this issue. That is something I would love the House to debate.