David Norris (Independent)

In general I support the thrust of the amendments because the development of community organisations and residents associations is valuable. This has been recognised in Dublin. For example, I am on the policing committee for the north inner city and I find that very valuable. The city manager has Oireachtas representatives for the local area in for lunch regularly with all the assistant city managers and that is extremely valuable. I strongly support the sense of the amendments. It is very much part of democracy to bring in community organisations, residents and so on because they are the people on the ground. I am slightly entertained by all the networks, fora, doo-dahs and what nots and, therefore, I am not quite sure about that as it is a little woolly but, on the other hand, I strongly support the intention behind the amendment.