Fine Gael Councillors Attempting to Stifle Debate-Nugent

Fine Gael Councillors Attempting to Stifle Debate-Nugent


Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent has accused Fine Gael members of Cork City Council of attempting to stifle debate on the local authority. He was speaking in response to a motion the government party put through council last night which declares that in future motions must be sent either to the relevant committee or the corporate policy group for report before they can be discussed by council.



Cllr Nugent said:


“It has been the long-standing practice on the council that motions which do not impact on a particular aspect of council policy, and do not require a report on their implications from the relevant officials, are debated on the floor of the council at the meeting after they are proposed.”

“Fine Gael’s decision to change the rules means that even motions on topical issues, such as the household charge or the sell-off of state assets, will now be sent to the Corporate Policy Group, where they may be waiting for weeks before being discussed.”

“The reason given for this change is to increase the efficiency of the council and reduce the time taken up at meetings. But the Fine Gael councillors have no problem spending up to an hour of meetings proposing votes of congratulations.”

“City Council, as the tier of government closest to the people, has a legitimate right to discuss topical issues and national policy, in particular where these have an impact on the people of Cork and the work of the council itself. Fine Gael councillors, under the guise of reforming the way the council does business, are simply attempting to stifle debate and protect the government from criticism.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793