Councillor Pádraig McNally:

Senator Denis Landy asked about how local authorities will engage with enterprise boards and local enterprise offices under the new structure. I made clear to members of the committee on previous occasions that it is a matter of great concern to us that elected representatives will, under the proposals as they stand, have no say on these boards. Under the existing structure, we are close to the people who are seeking grants and it works well. The allocations might be small but they mean a great deal to people who are trying to start a business. I appeal to the committee, as I did before, to seek changes to the Bill to address this issue.