Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee I would like to welcome representative organisations, public representatives, former public representatives and members of the public to the afternoon session of the committee's discussion on the future of local democracy. In particular, I welcome from the Fórsa union, Mr. Richy Carrothers, head of local government, local services and municipal divisions; Mr. Michael Whyms, the cathaoirleach of Fórsa's local government and local services division; and Ms Maura Cahalan, assistant general secretary. From the Public Participation Networks, PPN, Secretariat Network, I welcome Mr. Stephen Rourke, independent facilitator of the network and Mr. Donal O'Shea from Laois PPN Secretariat. From the Irish delegation to the Committee of the Regions, I welcome Councillor Michael Murphy. The Association of Irish Regions is represented by Councillor Pádraig McEvoy and Mr. Kevin Lynch, senior planner and assistant director.

They are all most welcome to Seanad Éireann today. I wish to draw their attention to the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue your remarks and it is imperative that you comply with any such direction. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The aforementioned is read out before all committees as part of our standard procedures and is not specific to this committee.

We are also joined today by the cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Councillor John Keogh and by councillors Tony Fitzgerald and Peter Flynn. Members of the public joining us include Mr. Harry Deane and Mr. Peter Horgan. Finally, I welcome former councillors Mr. Walter Lacey from Carlow and Mr. Seán O'Grady from Kerry.

I want to begin by thanking my colleagues for being here, and I now call on Fórsa, if Mr. Richy Carrothers would like to make the first contribution.