Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed in that answer because I believe the meeting with the conveners has to take place first. Otherwise, it will be the statutory players who will be giving their decisions about an area, when it is the community voice that knows exactly what needs to happen there. This is not just about the north inner city, it can be a template and a framework for other areas, in Dublin and outside it, that are facing similar issues.

I have two final points. We know how important jobs are, yet the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is not a member of the ministerial task force. At this moment An Bord Pleanála is hearing an application for planning permission in regard to the Clerys site. This is an opportunity to lay down a marker, that any development of that kind should have a community or social clause in it that will provide community gain and that there will be an aspect regarding local employment and training. That is recommended on page 35 of the report. If it continues as the Taoiseach has outlined, the community will not be satisfied with being told what is best for it by statutory people. It knows what is best for it. I would urge the Taoiseach to have that meeting with the conveners as soon as possible.

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