Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take the Minister's point about the groups not being named, but the correspondence we received was from approximately 12 groups including the Community Workers' Co-operative, the National Women's Council of Ireland, the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Pavee Point and One Parent Exchange Network. I presume they will be included. The points they made were about more than just not being included in the Schedule. They said the Bill would legislate for significant levels of control over community development.

They are concerned in regard to their involvement or participation. They feel distanced from the democratic process as it stands and this will make things worse. They also believe there is a significant enhancement of ministerial powers, but I would like to hear the Minister deny this is the case. The report of the working group on active citizenship is imminent, but the community sector is concerned that the working group did not consult with it. The group may have consulted in some areas, but not with them. These community groups are the most vulnerable and I would like confirmation from the Minister that the community sector has been properly considered in regard to this initiative and how the relationship between local government and the sector can be improved.

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