Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

Budget 2026 is probably only 12 or 13 weeks away. Preparations for it are well advanced in my Department. We are meeting various groups to hear pre-budget submissions and work is under way. If we could get something agreed in the task force, a realistic timeframe would be for budget 2027, given that it is only 12 or 13 weeks to budget 2026. I do not need to tell Senator Fitzpatrick what to do because she is acutely aware of how to do her work, but I encourage her to focus her efforts and work with the local authorities to make a submission to the task force. If the case is not made to the task force, then it may not be part of its proposal. That is what should happen in the first instance.

As someone who served in local government for nine years, I welcome the task force. I always took pride in the work of local government, but I am not blind to the need for it to be more efficient, transparent and accountable, not just to the elected politicians, but to the people they serve. This task force is an opportunity to do that. I will happily work with the Senator on putting forward real, tangible proposals that will enhance and strengthen the role of local government because citizens deserve that, as do the local politicians who serve on the councils.