Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I did not seek to cast aspersions on the people the Minister of State selects for appeals. However, from years of experience in various societies and associations with which I have been involved, I am aware that the one thing such a process must have is an independent voice for any appeals mechanism. I state again that the one thing that must be done is to appoint a person independent from the Department. We are all aware this is possible and that there are many people throughout the country with expertise in community development at their fingertips. I call for such an appointment because it would help to resolve the difficulties. As long as the current set-up exists, some doubt will remain and I do not care what case the Minister of State makes, if there are three officials appointed from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to hear an appeal, the rug could be pulled from underneath them immediately. I call on the Minister to consider my suggestion.

I understand the Minister of State will appear before the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs again in respect of this matter. I thank the Minister of State for his commitment to meet the community platform. If we are to progress this matter there is a need for such meetings. Everyone seeks to progress the matter and I will continue to argue until the matter winds up that the boards of management and those who created the initiative in many cases are being sidelined to the detriment of local communities. This will continue to be the case if the Minister of State does not change his position, which is a major error and mistake and amounts to a rebuff of their efforts. I call on the Minister of State to meet the community workers co-operative sooner rather than later to address their concerns. I also call on him to do something regarding the appeals mechanism. It would not be an excessively substantial measure but it would help the Minister of State to bring everyone on-side and he would certainly have me on-side with respect to the appeal mechanism if he responds to the request I have made.

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