PUBLIC CONSULTATION: SECOND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FUTURE OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY
The Seanad Public Consultation Committee convened its second round of public hearings on February 29th, focusing on the Future of Local Democracy.
During the morning session, the Committee hosted discussions with four former Ministers and Ministers of State who had overseen local government matters during their tenures. Their experiences and insights were sought to illuminate potential pathways for the future of local governance in Ireland.
In the afternoon, attention shifted to engaging with Cathaoirligh of local authorities and individual councilors who had contributed submissions. This session zeroed in on local authorities in the southern regions of Ireland. It marked the Committee's second dialogue with councilors, offering a platform for them to voice their perspectives, share suggestions, and collaboratively identify recommendations for enhancing local government dynamics.
THE SESSION
Before the meeting, Senator Mark Daly, acting as the Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad and Chairperson of the Committee, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the consultation. He highlighted the ongoing public hearing stage aimed at addressing challenges faced by local government.
“On behalf of the Committee, I once again wish to acknowledge and express our thanks to all who made a submission and engaged on this very important topic. This week, we are continuing the public hearing stage of this consultation, where we will once again explore the various challenges that local government faces and explore how policy and legislation may respond to these challenges.”
Senator Shane Cassells, the Rapporteur for the consultation, noted the value of insights gathered from the first public hearing and looked forward to continued discussions. The Committee plans to engage with former Ministers to gather further insights for enhancing local government in Ireland.
The Committee intends to hold additional public hearings in the coming months to gather recommendations for inclusion in a future report.
During the morning session, the Committee hosted discussions with four former Ministers and Ministers of State who had overseen local government matters during their tenures. Their experiences and insights were sought to illuminate potential pathways for the future of local governance in Ireland.
In the afternoon, attention shifted to engaging with Cathaoirligh of local authorities and individual councilors who had contributed submissions. This session zeroed in on local authorities in the southern regions of Ireland. It marked the Committee's second dialogue with councilors, offering a platform for them to voice their perspectives, share suggestions, and collaboratively identify recommendations for enhancing local government dynamics.
THE SESSION
Before the meeting, Senator Mark Daly, acting as the Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad and Chairperson of the Committee, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the consultation. He highlighted the ongoing public hearing stage aimed at addressing challenges faced by local government.
“On behalf of the Committee, I once again wish to acknowledge and express our thanks to all who made a submission and engaged on this very important topic. This week, we are continuing the public hearing stage of this consultation, where we will once again explore the various challenges that local government faces and explore how policy and legislation may respond to these challenges.”
Senator Shane Cassells, the Rapporteur for the consultation, noted the value of insights gathered from the first public hearing and looked forward to continued discussions. The Committee plans to engage with former Ministers to gather further insights for enhancing local government in Ireland.
The Committee intends to hold additional public hearings in the coming months to gather recommendations for inclusion in a future report.