My question relates to the programme for Government and local government reform. This week Louth County Council's draft budget for 2018 was comprehensively defeated, with 75% of the elected members voting against it. This is a wake-up call that Louth County Council is dysfunctional. It is not able to provide a service to the community or local economy. There are poor public services and amenities and services are being removed. Above all, it is a lack of accountability and transparency which has led to this situation. For example, there is no proper assets register in Louth County Council. Houses were purchased four years ago but the audits that were carried out were not published. A lack of transparency has led to this situation. I know that the issue is currently on the Minister's desk. However, will the Taoiseach encourage the Minister to send in a strong team not just to listen to the concerns that were raised but also to examine the dysfunction in County Louth's local authorities?

I understand that the Minister of State, Deputy John Paul Phelan, is examining the issue at the moment to see what are his options from a legal point of view, including a new election, the appointment of a commissioner or the possibility of the council attempting to put together a budget even now at this late stage. He is examining the matter with the Attorney General and I am afraid I cannot give a further update at this stage.