John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I understand it is proposed to commence the section but that is a slightly different matter from having it in the Act. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. I agree that the committees should be established. We had a similar situation in regard to the health boards. Those committees are now being set up and the same should apply in this case. A valuable contribution can be made by both local and national public representatives in terms of guiding the Garda in regard to policing priorities. It will be a useful process.

Senators O'Toole, Ó Murchú, Coghlan and Maurice Hayes referred to the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2005, in the names of Senators O'Toole and Coghlan, with particular reference to the case of Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis. Due regard should be given to the results of any plebiscite that is conducted because it will be an important statement of the wishes of local people. However, there could potentially be chaos if this were to be done for every town. There must be some degree of consistency. Within Gaeltacht areas, nevertheless, if people exercise their franchise and there is a conclusive verdict, it should be accepted and implemented.