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

While cultural change cannot be enshrined in legislation, one can be definitive about the additional powers one gives to elected members and one can then train them and provide resources to them to ensure they are able to understand and implement those powers. I acknowledge that at times, there are difficulties with certain local elected members, particularly people who are new and who may not be aware of the extent of their powers. This can only come through experience, but proper training, educational and awareness programmes must be put in place on the legislative powers and responsibilities they have. I intend to address this after the local elections with the aim of providing resources to local authorities and members. It will not be a case of engaging in conferences around the country but to be able to have sufficient in-house training and educational seminars for them, established with reputable people on an independent basis, that will provide them with the best advice they can possibly get to enable them to tackle the issues surrounding their responsibilities and to be equipped with the knowledge to be able to take on the other view they might get from officials.

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