Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am bringing forward today amendments Nos. 7 to 16, inclusive, from Seanad Éireann which relate to the selection of a local resident as a member of the agency established by the Bill. During Report Stage a number of Deputies expressed reservations concerning the selection process for this particular member of the agency. I am sure Deputies will recognise that the development will benefit from having a resident of the neighbourhood on the agency. In formulating a process to select a resident it is important to ensure that the interests of the residents are properly represented and the process is democratic, transparent and as fair and inclusive as possible.

The Fourth Schedule sets out an election process for selecting a residents' nominee on the agency and residents' representatives on the consultative group. I have introduced amendments Nos. 7 to 16, inclusive, to improve the operation of this process.

Paragraph 2 of the Fourth Schedule provides a method of registering residents' associations, community based groups, clubs and societies which will have an interest in the Grangegorman development. These groups will provide the constituencies for the election of the nominees to the agency and the consultative group. It is designed to be as inclusive as possible of everyone living in the area in terms of both civic amenity and economic potential.

The Minister has revised the election process for the selection of residents' representatives. Amendment No. 8 changes the constituency to provide that the residents' nominee to the agency will be nominated and selected by the residents' associations and tenants' associations in the Grangegorman neighbourhood.

The two residents' representatives for the consultative group will be nominated and selected by a broader range of groups which will include community groups and associations, parish and district associations and groups, youth and sports clubs and similar non-commercial groups as well as residents' and tenants' associations. This is the fairest and most impartial method to ensure that the interests of the residents of the neighbourhood are properly and adequately reflected.

Amendment No. 7 and amendments Nos. 9 to 14, inclusive, are required to distinguish between the two separate elections, that is, one to the agency and one to the consultative group. Amendment No. 15 clarifies subparagraph (4) of the Schedule and states that a person may stand for election for the position on the agency and the consultative group, assuming he or she meets the required eligibility criteria. If he or she is successful, however, the person must elect which position he or she will exercise. The Minister is confident that the election process will be a success.

Amendment No. 16 is a saving provision designed to provide flexibility in the event that a difficulty arises. If a representative cannot be selected, the process must be restarted. If on the second attempt a representative still cannot be selected, the process will be recommenced and the chairperson can decide that nominees do not need to receive the support of two registered groups.

This major development is important, not only for the educational institution involved but for the significant positive impact it will make on the north side of Dublin. Placing all DIT at this north inner city location will make a significant contribution to the redevelopment of this part of the city. The positive benefits of the Bill include education and training, underpinning economic activity within the Grangegorman area, enhancing access opportunities, extending cultural facilities, the provision of recreational and sporting facilities, rebuilding and developing large areas of dereliction and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities. The Taoiseach has many pet projects.

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