Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I have no problems with the amendments proposed. Senator Cummins made a point on amendment No. 41. The Minister originally allowed for persons representing local community interests to be involved. To keep people happy, including people in my own party, he introduced this wording to clarify it. I feel strongly on this matter. Many people who pushed this seemed to forget that publicly elected representatives, such as ourselves and county councillors, represent local community interests. That is what we do. We are democratically elected. We do not go along to a meeting attended by ten people to get elected. We run for election where every registered elector in the community has a vote. That point must be made. Local partnership groups argue that local community representation is necessary. They seem to forget that open and accountable elections take place whereby people can vote for candidates. That is far more accountable than any other election process, such as the community fora. That being said I accept that local fora are beneficial.

The Minister had the foresight from the outset to see the benefits of having Oireachtas Members on these committees. An amendment was made thanks to input by Senator Leyden to include Senators. That is a positive aspect and I look forward to the possibility of being involved. Senator O'Toole mentioned that Oireachtas Members are kept off many boards as if they will somehow contaminate them by their presence. Perhaps this was brought in as part of the abolition of the dual mandate and now one cannot have an Oireachtas Member on any local board. The Minister did not see it that way in this legislation, which shows foresight on his part and that of his officials and staff. This House argued that these committees could be based on local area or town committees. That might be the way to proceed as opposed to basing them on county councils or county development boards. All in all I agree with the amendments.