This article is from page 20 of the 2009-11-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
IT is still unclear what power, if any, Clare’s four TDs have to influence the decisions made by Clare County Soiele
Following a lively debate at last night’s meeting of the local author- ity, the exact power the TDs have to influence the allocation of housing remains a mystery.
This follows a motion put forward by Cllr Brian Meaney (Green Party), asking for a list of all TDs who have
representatives on behalf of mem- bers of the public to Clare County Sonia
“I’m not happy with the reply. I re- quested a list of the names of TDs and I have not been given that list. I wanted to see what influence, if any, a member of the Dail can have on the allocation of houses. I want it clearly stated whether a TD does not have a role to play in the allocation of houses.
“It must be stated clearly what role a TD has in this, what weight is given
to a representation made by them. I have been contacted by people who have said that they were successful in representatives because they con- tacted their TD.”
This motion was supported by Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) who said it wrong of TDs to tell the public that they have powers in such instances if WeTeaVare (oyna
“It is wrong for elected represented to misrepresent the situation and say that they can have influence. Or if they are having an influence then we
need to know about it,’ she said it.
The role of the TD’s in local issues was defended by Cllr Cathal Crowe coy)
“T think that it is a quirk in the Irish system that elected members from all levels have a very close level of contact with the local community,” he said.
“If a representative wants to make representatives on behalf of people then I can’t see any harm in it.”
A spokesperson from Clare County Council said that all representative
from TDs are acknowledged and a TD would be given advice on the current status of the application.
“It is prehistoric and inconceivable that we elect people to legislate and they end up as social workers,” said OW rite
‘They are more interested in watch- ing their backs and deceiving the electorate,” he said.
“I don’t believe that they have any more influence on this matter than a Shetland dog but they are putting it around that they have.”