John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 105:

In page 26, between lines 1 and 2, to insert the following: “Plebiscite

33.(1) The proposal shall be submitted to a plebiscite of the electors of the administrative area to which the proposal relates.

(2) Each plebiscite shall be held on such day and at such times as the Minister shall, by order, appoint.

(3) Each plebiscite shall be conducted in accordance with regulations made by the Minister under section 34.

(4) For the purposes of a plebiscite, the local authority concerned shall, not later than 30 days before the day appointed under subsection (2), cause information relating to the proposal to be published and distributed in such manner as it considers will most likely bring the proposal that is the subject of the plebiscite to the attention of electors in its administrative area.

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4), information published and distributed in accordance with that subsection shall, in accordance with guidelines under subsection (6), contain a summary of—

(a) the functions and office of directly elected mayor for the administrative area concerned,

(b) the likely effect that the establishment of such office will have on the performance by the local authority concerned of its functions and the likely nature of the relationship between the holder of that office and that local authority,

(c) the likely nature of the relationship between the holder of that office and any other body established by or under statute charged with performing functions in relation to the administrative area concerned,

(d) the likely cost and other resource implications if the proposal were implemented,

(e) the likely effect (if any) that the proposal would have in relation to the functions and organisational structure of any other body established by or under statute,

(f) the possible advantages and disadvantages that would result if the proposal were implemented, and

(g) such further information as the Minister considers appropriate.

(6) The Minister shall issue guidelines to each local authority regarding the publication and distribution of information to electors for the purposes of a plebiscite.”.