I raised this matter previously. Section 16 of the programme for Government dealing with local government reform promised a Government report by mid-2017 on measures to boost local government, leadership and accountability. What is the position with the completion of that report and the status of town councils? Following on from a report in The Irish Times this morning quoting the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is the merger of Cork city and county councils and Galway city and county councils still being pursued by the Government, despite the protests of both, which goes against the grain in terms of local democracy?

I thank the Deputy for observing the time.

I will have the Minister, Deputy Coveney, respond directly to Deputy Cassells on the points he has made.

I would appreciate that as I have asked about this previously.

I will have him respond to the Deputy.