Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to clarify that under the new section 66 provisions, local authorities and local community development committees are tasked with preparing integrated local economic and community plans. I would have thought Senator Cullinane would welcome that the community plans would be part of the economic and community planning that would take place in each local authority area. This is the first time for that to happen. It is the first time for the community and voluntary sector to have a statutory remit to align itself with local government in order to have its voice heard. Senator Cullinane does not want to acknowledge anything we are doing.