Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I agree with Deputy Murphy's sentiments on the cultural change that is required in so many different areas. This is the reason I am trying to rebalance powers in favour of both the local level and the elected members. While elected members also must have respect for one another, there has been a cultural change and shift, particularly in the community and voluntary sectors. Over the years, suspicions have grown up on both sides of the argument in respect of local authority officials versus community representatives and I wish to try to eliminate that. Putting the democratically elected council members centre stage in adopting the programmes and policy provides a significant shift in responsibilities and in respect of where power lies. However, I agree completely with Deputy Murphy that a cultural change is required. A better spirit of devolution and respect, manifested in a structured way, between the role of the elected members and the council officials would remove the need to put into legislation a great number of matters. I hope this new legislation will help to develop such a spirit over a period. Thereafter, it will be up to the councillors to use the power and responsibility they have for the first time. The area committees were formed on a non-statutory basis and while they could make recommendations, they had no power or influence. The difference between such committees and the municipal districts is that the latter will have power and opportunities to make decisions.