Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to share my time with my friend, Senator Jim D'Arcy. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Seanad. The action programme, Putting People First, whose aim is to provide for better engagement with citizens, emphasises the need for local government to build strong relationships with and to gain the interest of local people. I believe the programme will encourage greater participation by local communities, together with local public representatives, who are familiar with the needs and aspirations of their own communities. The action programme reinforces local government as the primary means of public service at local level by harnessing the commitment of elected members, officials and local communities. The Minister is totally committed to building stronger, more cohesive local government. This will provide local government with a greater capacity to address challenges, to address the social and economic development of local communities and to collectively maximise the strengths of the country as a place in which to live, invest, work and play.

The system of local government is being brought into the 21st century. As a critical part of this process the emphasis in the action programme is on enabling local government to deliver more to the community it serves and to be more accountable. Local authorities have a vital role to play in delivering essential services to our communities.

I will conclude with a message.