Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I agree with the Order of Business. I thank the Leader for making adequate time today for debate on the budget. I will not say too much about it at this point, but I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the very significant and important work of the Parliamentary Budget Office. For those who have not called down to its stand in LH2000 this morning, I suggest they do so. If anyone has not had the opportunity overnight to read its commentary on the budget, it makes for very interesting reading. I will go into this later in the debate on the budget. The Parliamentary Budget Office is critical. It is really healthy and great in a democracy that we have a stand-alone, independent Parliamentary Budget Office that can stand over its analysis, figures and commentary with great integrity and impartiality. That is a sign of the health of a democracy and a really important service for us. They are always there to support us, as is the Library and Research Service. I want to acknowledge that.

I will take the opportunity to touch on one issue, namely local government. As there are so many segments to the budget, it is important we have the opportunity to go through it section by section. We can do that later on or hopefully throughout the next few weeks. I want to acknowledge funding of €801.7 million for local government and electoral reform which is positive. It represents an increase of €117 million. That is a significant change for local government which is to be acknowledged and I want to support that. It is about funding equalisation, the local property tax, fire services, enhanced services for local authorities, greater inclusion and awareness of local government and greater participation in local government. That is great. The Minister of State with responsibility for planning and local government, Deputy Cummins, has done a lot of work in this area. He comes from a strong background in local government, has huge expertise and is fiercely committed to it. I want to acknowledge that. Local authorities are at the front line of essential services for our citizens. As they impact on the daily lives of our communities and citizens, any additional money to local government has to be commended. I acknowledge the Minister of State’s statement that he has dedicated funding for the local democracy task force, in which this Seanad, on all sides of the House, has played a huge role. I acknowledge the Cathaoirleach’s work on that. The Minister of State said in a Government press statement this morning that a significant amount of money will be provided for in this budget for the implementation of the task force. I particularly welcome this but we may need more detail. Given the significance of local government and its interrelationship with the Seanad and those here whom it elects, I ask that we be given a briefing note, if possible, on the resources and funding for the local government task force which the Minister of State has committed to. I thank him.