It is a well known fact that we in Ireland are the most unrepresented country in the whole of the EU in terms of local government. On average, it takes approximately 2,500 people to elect one councillor in this country compared with 1,000 people to elect a councillor in Denmark and much fewer than that in most other countries, in particular France. The UK, which is second to us, is a good bit behind us. There was some levity in the Chamber this morning following the announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, but I am not laughing and neither are the people of the towns of this country laughing. I am concerned and have a genuine worry about democracy in this country at the hands of the current coalition Government.

That is nonsense.

I will outline some facts. A total of 114 authorities will be reduced to 31. Approximately 1,600 elected councillors will be reduced to 950. Eight regional authorities-assemblies will be reduced to three. We have already had changes to the representation of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The Senator may make those points during the debate.

I am making an important point. I will not let you down, a Chathaoirligh. The Government is also threatening to abolish the Seanad. What does the Government have against the people that it wants to take away their voice? I served in local government at county and town level for 22 years. Unless one has been a town councillor one does not know the importance of such a role and function, the great pride the people of those towns have in their town councils, and the great pride we have in being townies.

Is the Senator calling for a debate?

I put a question to the Leader.

Is the Senator calling for a debate?

I want more than that. The hearts and souls of most of the Senators around me who came through local government are with me on the issue. Is the Leader not concerned that what is there, namely, representational democracy, will be exchanged for rule by, in many cases, the unelected authorities and quangos which continue? Considerable amounts of both European and State money are invested in groups which, in effect, are answerable to nobody.

We are not having that debate today.

Obviously we cannot have it today but there must be such a debate. I ask Members on the Government side to look into their hearts and not to allow the Government to go any further in diluting democracy in this country.