Seanad debates
Thursday, 6 March 2003
Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage.
The Minister may recall that I raised on Second Stage the point about the relationship between Senators and councillors – 43 Members of this House are directly elected by councillors – being different from the relationship which Members of the Dáil have with local authorities. As members elected by councillors, one of our roles is to reflect their views. Also, we must reflect local government and ensure that an important tier of public administration is heard at national level. There is a strong case to be made for retaining the dual mandate for Senators in particular. I said on Second Stage I would support an amendment in that regard. I ask the Minister to look closely at that idea. I will be interested to hear his response.
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