Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Senator Bannon made several good points. I agree that shopping locally makes good sense for a variety reasons. In addition to the argument put forth by Senator Bannon, it makes psychological sense because it means one does not drive oneself daft looking for a parking space. It is also better from an environmental perspective.

Senator Bannon expressed particular concern that these proposals might result in some further imposition on businesses in the context of dramatic changes in the business environment in recent years. Business improvement district schemes involve groups of businesses coming together to work for enhanced services. This endeavour involves joint decisions on the budget required to secure those services and the contribution process that will operate. The only way in which the local authority will be involved is in the collection of this self-imposed contribution. Businesses will decide what they are willing to pay for the additional services.

At the initiation of a business improvement district scheme, a benchmarking process will be initiated to outline the delivery of existing services to ensure that substantial additionality is achieved. The first schemes put into operation will send out the message for everybody else in terms of what is required in regard to enhanced services. If they are seen to be fair and equitable and to deliver good value, business improvement district schemes will be initiated throughout the State. There is great interest in these proposals among local business communities and I am delighted with the positive reaction of chambers of commerce in all areas. The latter are beginning to engage far more closely with local authorities. To the great credit of local government, they have put in place a range of means by which local businesses can express their views. If that model were applied throughout Irish life, we would be a better and richer nation. We would be also be much more content with the way we do our business.