Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not know where Senator Higgins is coming from but I want to speak in favour of the council executive. It has always engaged and encouraged participation and I have never experienced any curtailment or limits to that engagement. I know Members referred to people as being potentially difficult and maybe I am considered difficult but I engaged in the local development plan, both as a local councillor and as a citizen, which is a distinction I always draw. I always made submissions as a citizen and I continue to do so. I am regularly in contact with An Bord Pleanála and other organisations, principally as Victor Boyhan the citizen. That is an important distinction to make. I pay whatever fee is required and I never look for any fee to be waived. There is no fee here but I want to put it on the record that I have found the officials to be exemplary and I encourage and support them.In essence all submissions are summarised to make a report to the elected members. Accordingly, they are grouped thematically and relate to zonings, as well as specific local objectives and issues. They are clustered together and, to be fair, they are always accurate and representative. They touch on the very kernel of the issues, difficult and all as some of them are.

I have never experienced that. I do not believe this amendment is necessary.