Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to see the Leader back in the Chair this term.

With the increase in the Dáil numbers from 160 to 174, in recognition of our growing population, it would be wise to revisit our numbers within local government. In the 2014 local government reforms we reduced our local representation from 1,627 to 949. Our population in 2014 was 4.6 million and today we have a population of 5.5 million. The CSO expert group has projected our population to grow to 7 million by 2050. That would mean every councillor would be responsible for 7,500 citizens.

We also need to look at the introduction of an European affairs office within all local authorities. Few counties have these but this needs direction from our new Minister. Millions of euros in grants are going elsewhere because local authorities do not have dedicated staff sourcing and applying for these grants for communities.

That leads me also to call for the introduction of a European affairs strategy policy committee to be financed by our new Minister. It is vitally important that those within local government know what directives, regulations and decisions are coming out of Europe. I call on the Leader to request the new Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, to come into this House to discuss his vision and that of the programme for Government and to listen to the voices within this House as well.

If the Cathaoirleach has any pull at all and can make an executive order, can we please get rid of the plastic straws?