James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I support my colleagues, none of whom spoke against the amendment, which they all support. Politics is about people and delivering services for people within their communities. The locally elected representative is the first person on whom the public calls to deliver services. Every day, we can see the services that were put in place due to the work of local public representatives. When we look out our windows, we see public lighting, footpaths, roads, signage and so on, which were put in place due to the work of elected public representatives. Over the years they have done a good job, although they often do not get the recognition they deserve.

At various times Ministers address conferences organised by the local authority representative associations such as LAMA, the General Council of County Councils and AMAI. These bodies have all referred to enhancing the role of the locally elected representative. This is a golden opportunity for the Minister to accept an amendment that gives additional powers and responsibilities which local councillors are well able to take on. I ask the Minister to accede to this request because it is important the amendment is accepted.

It is an opportunity for the Minister of State to make his mark. I heard him speak at LAMA conferences throughout the country when I was general secretary of that association. On every occasion, he spoke about what he would do to enhance the role of and give additional responsibilities to locally elected representatives. Local representatives are the voice of democracy at local level and it is important the Minister concedes this point.

I compliment the Fine Gael spokesperson on transport and road safety for proposing the amendment. I hope the Minister will accept it.