One of the disappointing aspects of the budget was the silence on local government issues, particularly providing funding for the restoration of town councils. Members will know that in the previous Government Fine Gael showed fair contempt for democracy. It attempted to silence this House, which did not work out. The then Minister, Phil Hogan, had more success in silencing democracy at local level by abolishing town councils. Members will know that rural towns are struggling. In my town, Listowel, despite the best efforts of a very go-ahead business community, there are many empty premises for sale and to let and very little inward investment. Town councils were very important assets in towns such as Listowel and the Cathaoirleach's town of Killarney. My party, Fianna Fáil, is committed to restoring them when we return to office. Our spokesman, Deputy Barry Cowen, has a very clear document outlining how we will do it. In the next couple of years of the Government's term, I hope the issue of local government will come to the fore again. I hope there will be all-party support for Fianna Fáil's position on restoring town councils.