Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That gives me the opportunity on behalf of all the members to thank all of our guests for the work they do outside of here because that civic voice is very important in any democratic structure. The geographic-specific elements of it are important. I was very struck by what Mr. Geissel said regarding that community and local identity. I represent Santry and Finglas and we are almost in the worst of both worlds. We are not in the city centre and we do not have our own area, so those things have a big impact. From speaking to the public participation networks, PPNs, I know that they cover everything from small resident associations right up to sectoral advocacy groups, so to ask their representatives to come in and to speak to us was a tall order. All our committee members value that kind of non-governmental voice which they have brought here today. Today's contributors will have a significant impact on our committee's deliberations next week, when we meet in private to plot where we will go next so I thank them for being with us today.