The 100% Redress Party has offered to pay to cover the costs of live-streaming meetings of the Defective Concrete Block Committee as a matter of public interest.
Councillor Tomás Seán Devine said that it’s “only fair and right” that the public can watch how they are being represented by the councillors who elected them.
Cllr Devine raised a motion on the matter with the council this week, stating that councillors have come under criticism when their discussions are held off-camera.
Speaking at Monday’s plenary meeting, which was streamed live, Cllr Devine said: “Surely it’s nothing to do with financial reasons because we have cameras here. We want these meetings streamed online. Our party’s even offered to pay if it is for financial reasons.
“There are thousands and thousands of defective block homeowners that want information from this council and I think it’s very simple – that these meetings are streamed. We are doing it today, why can it not be used for a DCB committee?”
While workshops are always held in committee, there were calls for further discussion on the implications of live streaming non-plenary meetings such as the DCB committee.
Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle said: “We need to discuss this. Once something is streamed live, we are not in control of what anybody says. I think we need further discussion on it and the terms of reference and how much it will cost the council.”
“If we did go live, there would be more workshops than meetings,” added Fianna Fáil Cllr Paul Cannning.
Cllr Devine was told that the executive will look into the options and prepare a paper on the pros and cons of the live streaming, which will be brought before the corporate policy group.
Meanwhile, members of the public can continue to attend meetings in person.
“I am happy for a discussion, but something needs to be done urgently,” said Cllr Devine.
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