Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask that they look at it again. That is an alarming situation with fire safety. We discussed issues with fire safety with various people here a few weeks ago and I will not repeat them. People raised serious concerns and allegations about one of the local authorities and it got media attention. We should look at it. There are more than 980 county councillors and they are a conduit to be used better. I find that I am asked to send councillors NOAC's report. It is rather strange. NOAC has an opportunity to engage. The witnesses are talking about chief executives, the council and having conferences. Remember that the elected representatives, sitting county councillors, are the closest politicians to the people on the ground. There is an opportunity to engage better with them. I suggest that when the witnesses produce reports, they are circulated then. I have had a report sit on a chief executive's desk for two months before being circulated to elected members. The whole thing is mad. It applies to local government audits too but that is a matter for later. There is also the issue of sanction. What sanctions can the witnesses impose other than reporting about shortcomings? What powers and sanctions do the witnesses have? Do they want more powers or the ability to sanction local authorities? Will they share their views on that?