Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have been asked by Senator Higgins to move her amendments. I have notified the Clerk of the Seanad and the Acting Chairperson, Senator Kyne, of that request. I will keep my remarks tight because I am conscious everyone wants to get moving on it. Amendment No. 4 seeks to address an issue of long-standing concern, namely, the power afforded to local councillors. It is well documented that executive decision-making in local government has, for far too long, been extremely undemocratic. The current model needs reform to foster community empowerment or strengthen local democracy. This amendment asks that a review of the Act look at enhancing and adding to the reserved powers of councillors.