Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The four mayors of the four Dublin local authorities are considering this matter in the context of the new directly elected mayor for Dublin. We have also asked them how they envisage local government in general developing in the municipal district concept. I have an open mind on how the system will operate. It appears, however, that the geographical entity we are seeking to create in a municipal sense is a good approach. Again, this will be a matter for people to decide in May when they are asked whether they want to have a directly elected mayor of Dublin. Their response will open up many additional reforms for the Dublin region and other major urban areas that have been identified in the recent Boundary Commission report. While this issue is open for discussion, we must make a fundamental decision about what powers and responsibilities the directly elected mayor will have in Dublin in the event that people in Dublin vote for that option next May.