Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I support amendments Nos. 46 and 47. I have some reservations about amendment No. 45. I will make three or four quick points. It is good that the framework of the city and county development board is gone as it does not seem to be the appropriate framework.

As I stated on Second Stage, I would be attached to the idea of towns which have local councils having policing committees of their own. I would not like it organised on a big geographical county basis. I accept that Senator Jim Walsh's experience with Wexford may be different but the problems of Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir and Tipperary are not identical. I would prefer if this is organised on a more intimate basis.

Under the proposed legislation a system of co-options would have to be devised, which would be contrary to what Senator Jim Walsh argued for. I personally favour the district policing partnership model. It should be rooted in local authorities but the membership should not be a monopoly of local elected representatives. It is a good idea to bring in other people. In this partnership age, democracy is more than the sum of the elected representatives. I would have a broad, rather than a narrow view of democracy.

I strongly support what Senator Leyden stated. The section states "members of Dáil Éireann" and should state "Oireachtas Members" or, if one wants to be specific, "and Seanad Éireann resident within" a particular area. The term "Oireachtas Members" would be better. Although there is no amendment tabled to that effect, I ask the Minister of State to look at it. While sessions should in the main be in public, there might be occasions where confidential briefings would be desired and accepted.