I agree with the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, about inviting the Minister for an early debate on the issue. Senator Pat O'Neill's comments are welcome, given that I know he is his master's voice in Seanad Éireann. When the Senator speaks, he is generally speaking on behalf of the Minister.

Authoritatively.

I am delighted the Minister will come to the House. There is no doubt that the reform of local government will be detrimental to rural areas which will not have the same level of representation as heretofore. For example, Roscommon County Council is to be reduced in size from 26 seats to 18, which is a blow to the area, and there are to be similar reductions in counties Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.

That is a point which should be raised in the debate.

Local representation is being wiped out. It will also have an effect on representation in Seanad Éireann. If the Seanad survives, there will be a reduction in the number of Senators from the western region as a result of the so-called reform of local government. That will be detrimental to local government and the level of regional representation.

That is pure speculation at this stage.

It may not affect Senators today, but it may do so some day. This issue should also be raised.

On another point, the Labour Party was able to tell its members last Friday evening exactly what the situation was. They were fully briefed. As I see Senator Jimmy Harte nodding, I presume he was briefed.

We are taking questions to the Leader.

I am making a point. They gave the Minister an imprimatur to ensure their seats would be held in urban areas.

Rubbish.

For example, Dublin City Council will see an increase in the number of seats from 52 to 60, while in Fingal County Council the number will increase from 24 to 30. In all of the eastern region there will be extra representation, whereas in the western region there will be less.

Is the Senator calling for a debate on the matter?

Let there be no doubt that the Labour Party is the little tail wagging the big Fine Gael dog.

On a point of information, it is called demographics.

It is called the Labour Party's uncertainty about the future and its control of local government.

That is not relevant to the Order of Business. Is the Senator calling for a debate on the issue?

I am sorry, but Senator Ivana Bacik interrupted me.

Yes. The Senator is over time.

I would never do that.

She put me off.

The Senator is inviting it.

We should have a debate on the issue.

On a point of order, I remind the Senator that his party was in government for 80 years and could have brought forward legislation.

That is not a point of order. The Senator should resume his seat. I ask Senator Terry Leyden to conclude.

I second the proposal made by Senator Darragh O'Brien for a debate on Thursday with the Minister. Senator Pat O'Neill has said he will come, for which I thank him.

I did not say the Minister would be here on Thursday.