Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Res publicameans a government whose power is held by its people and their elected representatives. What a great tradition and achievement. It is a new start and a restart for the people of Barbados and I wish them well.

I raise the issue of Galway County Council's funding crisis. A decision to postpone the budget in Galway was made yesterday. There is a serious crisis as regards local government and the Leader will be aware that this is an issue right across the country. Senators Kyne, Crowe and others have continuously raised this issue and the need for a debate on local government in this House. All municipal districts in Galway County Council rejected their proposed funding allocations for 2022. In an effort to demonstrate their commitment and reject what has been proposed, the councillors are clearly seeking to send a clear message to the Government that they are unhappy. There is a general view that the funding for Galway County Council is far short of what is required and they are not getting the same cut of the deal as others. Cynics would suggest this is part of a bigger plan in the Custom House to force a merger of the two councils. I am not necessarily saying that is the case but that is one view down in the council so there is an issue there.

I thank the Leader for bringing forward the debate this afternoon on horticultural peat. We will have an opportunity to discuss the matter.It is welcome. There have been debates and questions in both Houses of the Oireachtas on this issue. The discussion today will be a real opportunity for us to share our real concerns in respect of the horticultural sector. I thank the Leader for her leadership on that issue.

I join with the Cathaoirleach and others in terms of their words in respect of former Senator George Eogan. Professor Eogan was a remarkable man. He only spent two years in the Seanad. His nomination, by C.J. Haughey, was a wise one. He was an Independent Senator and it was a good use of an independent nomination. I extend my sympathy to his family.