In light of the result in last Friday's referendum, will the Government review its proposals to break up the local development companies that have served us so well? Will it give the people a say in respect of its proposal to abolish the town councils? The latter have served us and their communities in an excellent fashion.

We will ask the Taoiseach-----

I have raised this matter previously.

That is fine but we are not having a debate on it now.

There is legislation pending and I want to know if the Taoiseach is going to give the people a say in the matters to which I refer before that legislation is railroaded through. The Taoiseach is aware of the answer he was given last week when the people had their say. I truly believe that if a plebiscite were to be held on in respect of town councils-----

We are not having a debate on this now.

-----the people would stand up for those councils, which have served us very well.

On the same issue, the Taoiseach has been indicating for a number of weeks that legislation relating to the abolition of town councils is to be brought before Cabinet by the relevant Minister. Considering the wallop the Taoiseach received for seeking to abolish the Seanad, does he not fear the same level of recrimination if said legislation is brought forward?

There will be ample opportunity to discuss the matters raised by Deputies Healy-Rae and Cowen on the local government Bill, which is expected to be put before Cabinet next week.

There will be no discussion.

Will the people be given a say?

Let the people cast their votes.

That will not happen.