Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Mr. Dunne is correct, in that it is a balanced approach, but consider what is happening in the city. Obviously, Dublin is important to the national recovery, but the docklands area is important to Dublin's regeneration. The majority of brownfield sites are in that area and it has an indigenous community. I support the democratic element represented by the councillors as well as the appointment of a consultative forum, which will set out its own terms, but community groups that serve on the forum must have a policy element. Councillors can have a wider overview, but local communities know the basic needs that need to be met, for example, education, sports, play areas, green areas, etc. The people best placed to develop such policies, in consultation with the democratic structures, are members of the local communities. Local councillors will be on the forum, but it needs a more defined policy role.

We can all be consulted. Sometimes, people in the inner city feel consulted up to their eye teeth but receive very few dividends in return. A master plan containing specific policies is already in place, but if the local community is to be empowered, the forum needs to be strengthened slightly. When the Department is drafting the legislation, perhaps it should consider this proposal. The forum does not just comprise members of the local community, but also local businesses. For such groups to buy into the idea, they must see that their policies and ambitions for the community will be taken on board. This was obvious when the business and community forums attended our committee. They want their area to thrive and expand, but they also want a dividend for the local community. More work is necessary in this regard.