Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will not go over what my colleagues have said. Last week I expressed my concerns about local democracy and taking away powers from councillors. There have been huge changes in local authorities from when I became a councillor in 2009 to now. I am concerned about any reduction in the power or ability of councillors to have a say. In his response, the Minister might explain the reason for the change. I am concerned that representatives, such as councillors, are elected locally and we want a democratic voice to be heard in the planning process. I ask the Minister to take this on board. It is to be hoped he will enlighten us on this point. I do not think the Minister wants to remove democracy from local government in this Bill. Unfortunately, that appears to be what will happen as a result of section 65.