Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the spirit in which Deputy O'Sullivan tabled these amendments but I wish to draw the attention of the House to some points. As regards amendment No. 27, section 35 of the Bill already provides that representatives of local community interests will in fact be members of the local community development committees or LCDCs. Given their status as members of those committees, I do not see how the amendment would improve that status. I am satisfied therefore that the issue of participation is addressed in section 128(b)(v) as well, which specifies that the LCDCs shall co-operate and consult with local development bodies.

Similarly, with regard to amendment No. 28, I do not consider it appropriate to broaden the definition for representatives of local community interests provided in section 128(a) also specifically to include anti-poverty or social inclusion groups. The definition for representatives of community interests, already set out in the Bill, is inclusive in its nature and already provides for community-based groups, social movements and networks, which are clearly inclusive of the groups referred to by the Deputy. I do not think therefore that we would improve the situation by accepting these amendments.

See this speech in context