Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

The amendments are seeking to deal with balance in the agency. One must ask why the local residents' concept was omitted. It appears to be just an add-on which highlights the flaws in thinking relating to involving local people in many of these plans. The Minister may argue that it is more than just a community aspect and that it deals with education, training and so on. It is also about interaction educationally and culturally within the area, and there needs to be a balance in this regard. Having local residents on a board or agency does not detract from it, in fact, it can enhance it.

We spoke earlier about the consultation group and so on. It is important to clarify whether it will be established in tandem with the agency. It is important to have balance. The amendment proposing two local residents will help this balance. It will enhance the agency rather than detract from it. It may bring a modicum of sense to the agency in that these people will have a view of life just as many of the professionals who will be on the board of the agency. It would seal the pact with the local community and make them part of this proposal.

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