Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Minister of State. The removal of the exclusion cause has given the Bill greater credibility. It would not have been good to exclude by title alone a particular group that is central to communities and, often, the work of charities. It would have detracted from the Bill.

As public representatives, councillors are drawn into close co-operation with and involvement in many charities at local level. Judging from the various local authority debates that are covered by local newspapers, councillors are probably the most focused group when it comes to vulnerable people in need. Whether it is part of councillors' remit, they are invariably to the fore. They are able to create publicity for a good cause by virtue of their positions because local newspapers and radio stations tend to cover their meetings. To make them feel leprous and hurt would not be right and could create a silence. I welcome the Minister of State's show of strength in responding to the request not to exclude local authority members specifically.