It is a very foolish person who raises his or her voice to discuss an issue without having first studied the subject matter.

The Senator should sit down.

I have read some parts of the report, which extends to more than 200 pages, since its launch at 11 a.m. Several speakers who admitted they have not read or examined the document made contributions that are foolish in the extreme. The purpose of the proposed reforms is to clean up the economic mess created by the Fianna Fáil Party. Today marks the beginning of a new era for local government.

Is the Senator supporting calls for a debate?

I will first complete my contribution.

Senator Leyden indicated that the number of county councillors would be reduced. He has clearly not read the document as it proposes to increase the number of county councillors from 830 to 950.

I am sure the Leader will respond to the various points raised by Senators.

The proposals mirror the recommendations of a document produced in 2010 by the former Fianna Fáil Minister, Noel Dempsey, in which he sought the abolition of town councils.

We will not have a debate on the issue. Is the Senator supporting calls for a debate?

I wish to make a number of points, after which I will ask a question of the Leader.

The Senator should put his question.

The document proposes to devolve new powers to local government in eight areas, namely, micro-enterprise, transport, roads, tourism, sport, heritage sites, flood relief and food safety. While I would like a debate on local government, it is not reasonable to expect it to be arranged for Thursday. Perhaps it will be held in the next couple of weeks. Will the provision of financial autonomy be enshrined in new legislation for the proposed municipal and district councils?

I join colleagues in calling on the Leader to arrange a debate on the proposals launched this afternoon by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan. I have not had an opportunity to read the entire report, which runs to more than 200 pages, because my party did not receive copies until about an hour ago, unlike some of our colleagues opposite who received a copy on Friday last. Senator Landy stated that my colleagues did not read the document properly and pointed out that the number of county councillors will increase rather than decrease. Provision will be made for additional county councillors in the large urban centres.

Is the Senator supporting the call for a debate?

Yes. Given that Senator Landy comes from a major urban area, he will not be badly affected by the proposals. The title of the document, Putting People First, is an insult to citizens, especially in Cavan-Monaghan, where they will be given an opportunity to vote for 79 fewer public representatives at the next local elections.

The Senator may make points during the debate.

I will value Senator Wilson's informed contribution to the debate.

I suggest Senator Landy and his colleagues go back to the drawing board. They should call in the Minister and get this right. While I welcome reforms, one of the major reforms in the report - I read about it in the executive summary - is to change the county manager title to one of "chief executive". That is some achievement.