Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is my pleasure as rapporteur of the committee to welcome everyone. I and my fellow members of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee team have had an extensive journey in the process we have gone through, listening to the voices of councillor representative groups, councillors themselves and other statutory bodies over several months. However, it is only fitting, as we come towards the end, that we listen to the voices of the capital city and county. There is a unique aspect to the running of Dublin city and county and that deserves a special process. As we move forward into the local elections process and the debates about local governance, particularly in the city and county, the insights from the witnesses who are at the coalface of that will be hugely insightful and will form a major part of this report.

I extend a warm welcome to the Lord Mayor, cathaoirligh and councillors and look forward to this morning's session.