Michael McCarthy (Labour)

We oppose this section very clearly because it envisages the scrapping of local authority directors and reducing board membership such that the community representative will be also abolished. This is an assault on local democracy. That is the thinking that surrounds this motion to oppose this section. In the Minister's previous role as Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government he was intrinsically involved with local authorities. He came from a local authority and his family members were on local authorities.

He is someone who understands the basic tenets of local democracy. What is wrong with members of local authorities serving on these boards? Surely they bring an element of local democracy to the proceedings and they may also bring a level of expertise. People depend on local government to ensure their views are expressed, through their councillors. If this Bill proposes to bring an end to that process, then I am fundamentally opposed to it. I know that some Members on the Government side feel the same way but they must be loyal to their Minister and party. However, I urge the Minister of State to consider this amendment carefully. He has been very obliging in the past and is someone who deals with legislation with an open mind. I appeal to his better judgment and ask him to look favourably on my request to accept this amendment.