Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates and thank them for their positive and constructive engagement. It assists us as parliamentarians as we work through the legislation to hear suggestions as to how it can be improved upon. The witnesses have a very positive contribution to make in that respect, both as individual representatives of local government and as members of the Association of County City Councils, which has been active in this area for generations. We are listening closely and intently to what the delegates are saying.

I share some of their concerns regarding the local development committees and associated selection process. How do the delegates foresee that selection process taking place? Would it work similarly to the existing community fora whereby community organisations put forward representatives and select from among themselves in a bottom-up approach. How do the witnesses envisage the local and community development aspect of local government being represented? I agree that it needs to be transparent and accountable to the elected council, but what is the best way to select the membership and get the boards up and running?

I note the points in the submission regarding practical representation, ratios and bringing us into line with other countries. What are the delegates' views on how the metropolitan areas will work within the new structures? There will be several amalgamations, including in Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary. Will the witnesses comment on how they envisage those amalgamations proceeding?

I expect that much of the difficulty that might arise will relate to status and titles, as occurs traditionally in any field or sector. There is a great deal of confusion about the number of mayors. In Waterford alone, we have five mayors at this time. It is very confusing for the public but, in my view, there is really one mayor, namely, the mayor of Waterford city. Under the new structure, will the primary body be headed up by a mayor or a cathaoirleach? My personal view is that it should be the latter, but I understand the delegates have concerns that such a position might not be recognised internationally. Will they comment on that? I am not sure we will ever get agreement on status and titles. It is a difficult issue.

As I said, we are noting with interest what the delegates are saying today. Their contribution will be very helpful to us as the Bill progresses.