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CITY MANAGER DEFENDS REQUESTING ID FROM THE PUBLIC
City manager Joe O’Neill has defended the practice of requesting identification from members of the public wishing to attend council meetings.
His comments came ahead of councillors voting at last night’s meeting to continue the practice when it is required.
Mr O’Neill said identification may be needed in case a person different to one who pre-booked a place in the public gallery is admitted.
Cllr Colette Connolly was very vocal against the practice, branding it, and the presence of a security company at the entrance, Draconian.
Despite her plea for the public to be encouraged to attend meetings rather than be put off the amendment to an existing standing order was passed by 9 votes to 2.
Another amendment on suspending the remuneration or privileges of a councillor who obstructed meetings has attracted much comment in recent weeks as it was deemed illegal by the council’s solicitors Blake and Kenny.
For this reason councillors agreed that this amendment to standing orders be left out.