James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I, too, support the statement by the Minister as regards strengthening the role of elected members of local authorities. We are all elected representatives in some shape or form and have to deal with local authorities and planning and development applications in our counties. Perhaps the Minister could go even further and name local authorities and also public representatives in this particular area. That would strengthen the legislation and show the respect in which the elected local representative is held. After all, the elected member, in effect, is the voice of the people on the ground. Their views should come first. In no way will they step on the toes or fly in the face of the elected member. It is an important go-between involving the people and Government and due recognition should be extended to local councillors throughout the country. For far too long their role has been diluted and diminished in much of the legislation enacted. They have been bypassed as regards environmental protection legislation and in several other areas. Hopefully the Minister will try to re-establish many of the powers that were taken from local authority members over the years to give them a greater role in functional democracy.