Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives for coming in, and for sharing their experience and expertise with the committee. This undertaking by the Seanad could represent a rethink of the very centralised, top-down approach that has traditionally characterised the approach to local democracy. I am glad we hearing the perspectives of people who have ministerial experience and have really made an impact on this area.

I agree with everything Senator Boyhan said. This is about valuing the work of councillors. We have to recognise the phenomenal work they do. I have travelled throughout the country to meet with councillors. They are out on their own as regards the volume of work they do.

I want to thank Deputy Howlin in particular and to wish him well going forward. I also thank him for his detailed and candid opening statement. His reflection on the negative implications the abolition of town councils has had is really valuable. I have to disagree, unfortunately, with Deputy Phelan. Politics is intense and competitive and it can be hard to admit mistakes and it is admirable that Deputy Howlin has done that. I want to ask all the witnesses about the role of town councils and whether they think they should be restored. I would like to hear more about that. Over time, a significant number of roles have been taken from local authorities and either have been privatised or taken on by central government or national agencies. In my view, this has undermined public confidence in local authorities and has made many voters apathetic about local politics, which we need to highlight. Should local authorities play a greater role in public service provision? The witnesses might say a bit more about that, as well as how we can make that happen.

Finally, political life has become increasingly toxic for everyone and we have seen the recent emergence of misinformation and of exclusionary and conspiratorial rhetoric and an uptake of violent protests together with threats to public representatives and to local councillors in particular. Can the witnesses speak about how we can keep local councillors safe as I have been getting inquiries from local councillors about this? The also might speak about how to promote a more positive discourse for local councillors.