I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 70 together.
Arising from the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government established a ministerial committee to consider and report on local government reform at sub-county level taking account of the various issues involved, including local finances and devolution of additional functions to local authorities in the areas of competence of several Departments. The committee, of which I am chairman, also includes the Minister for Health, the Minister for Social Welfare, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Office of the Tánaiste, and the Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach, Defence and Finance. In line with normal practice, the committee will present a report to the Government as soon as possible. Pending that report, I do not consider it appropriate to comment on the progress or procedure of the committee.