Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The defensive attitude will not work with me. Everything will have to be justified as to what is appropriate. We cannot have structures in place on paper and in theory because they must also have a practical application and function. That will be the ultimate situation.

I established the local development alignment group to bring together many of the activities in communities which are outside the remit of local government. The allocation of moneys by Departments to various groups and entities outside the democratic process is not right and is neither appropriate nor accountable. There must be greater oversight and accountability, through the democratically elected representatives, for what goes on in every community.