Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 50:

In page 41, lines 17 and 18, to delete "local and community development of" and substitute "development of the community in".

The spirit of the amendments is to encourage community development and we hope the change in the wording reflects that. Local authorities can play an important role in community development but this must be done in an inclusive way. Amendment No. 55 states:

In page 43, line 32, after "inclusion" to insert "and address causes of social exclusion".

It is important that such a provision is included. Amendment No. 56 states:

In page 43, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following:"(g) the allocation of resources to areas of most social and economic disadvantage, and
(h) the specific needs of minority groups and hard to reach groups in relation to social inclusion.".

This would give local councillors discretion in how they target resources.