Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have tabled amendment No. 51 on behalf of Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan. Essentially, it echoes some of the points made. The wording positions one community development committee at county level but I am concerned because community development happens at a much lower level. This changes the nature of much of what is happening.

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan wanted me to speak about what happens at Dublin City Council level with regard to many of the projects that are run and enhanced by the people with a direct impact. The projects would not function without their input. These include youth projects, after-school initiatives and crèches in areas that may, for example, experience very high levels of unemployment, including generational unemployment. In essence, the point the Deputy wanted me to make is that there must be involvement by those communities within any kind of community development element. That is critical if community development projects are to be about community and not economic development.

There should be a development committee or focus at municipal level that is about building the capacity of communities. At a lower level it is much easier to understand what is required, and that varies around the country, depending on demographics, the wealth of an area and the capacity of an area to deal with issues. Having one committee per county - except if there is approval of the Minister - will position this issue in the wrong place. I am interested in the Minister's view of community development, and perhaps I have a different view on what is intended by these committees than what the Minister proposes.