Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I always feel slightly intimidated speaking after Senator Boyhan because he is such a brilliant speaker. . I thank everyone for coming in and sharing their experiences and expertise with the committee . I agree with everything Senator Boyhan said regarding taking on board all of the suggestions. I hope with all my heart that something really positive comes out of this meeting today. I am an Independent Senator as well. I have been in here now since 2016 and I have seen many reports come out. It is the implementation of the reports that is absolutely vital. Reports are great but we need them to be implemented. I really hear what a lot of people have said today. There is no doubt that this is about local authority. This is about the heart of the community. Central government really needs to support, trust and leave the work in the hands of the councillor. It is scary the way local authorities and councillors are being undermined. There is no doubt but that it is very worrying and it seems to be getting worse, from my experience of being here and working on many of the issues Senator Boyhan spoke about.

There are a couple of things in the report that we need to highlight when it comes out. One is the relationship with council management and what that is like. If anyone would like to say a bit more around that it would be welcome. Does that relationship enhance the work or impact the work in a negative way? I would like to hear more about that. We have heard a lot said about the abolition of town councils and it was spoken about this morning. I think it is vital to put that into the report. I believe we need to bring back town councils. I have no doubt about it.

I thank everyone most sincerely and I want the councillors to know that we are very dedicated to this. The Seanad Public Consultation Committee is being headed up by Senator Mark Daly and Senator Shane Cassells was the member who instigated this. We are very passionate about this and the work the councillors do. We know how difficult it is and I do not mean to be blowing air or anything like that. We are very aware of the amazing work the councillors do on the ground. I have seen it myself at first hand and I mean this when I say, it is a vocation. I will finish on this point. Implementation is absolutely vital.