Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I support all the amendments, including the Minister's amendment which is very important. Deputy O'Sullivan's amendment No. 21 seeks to delete the word "allow" and insert the words "provide for". It is much more important to provide for than allow consultation and the positive restatement of that in this important section underlines that. Her amendment No. 20 seeks to delete the word "communications" and insert "community consultation". I do not see the need for a communications strategy. It should be a consultation strategy. Both those amendments would greatly strengthen the legislation in a proactive way. The range of representation would be extended to include not just the people who are resident in the area but also those working in the area.

A large network of people is active in the area, some of whom work nine to five and others who work longer hours. They have been resident in the area all their lives. The people who have been doing that work for many years, whether it is the inner city partnership, the Market Area Community Resource Organisation, MACRO, which also includes people working in various organisations, or the north-west network group all have much to offer. They are involved in creating employment and providing services in the area and work in an integral way with the residents in the area. It would be worthwhile if the Minister accepted Deputy O'Sullivan's amendment No. 22 on local organisations concerned with economic, social or other development, including employment, education or training and local community development organisations.

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