John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his presentation. The general scheme is very exciting. I went to college in Limerick for four years and had a great four years of education down there. As Deputy McAuliffe stated, I am conscious that, with the exception of Deputies Mitchell and O'Donoghue, none of us is from Limerick. I compliment everybody who has been involved in this process to date for the work they have done to progress the legislation to where it is at now. I was a supporter of the directly elected mayor proposition in my county of Waterford. It was only defeated by 719 votes. In Cork, the proposal was defeated by fewer than 1,000 votes. To be honest, I believe that these were missed opportunities for both counties. I certainly hope that it will be looked at again in the future.

We must get this right. Limerick is a case study for the entire country. It is essential that we get it right. If we get it right in this instance, there will be a willingness and a drive in other counties to move towards this model of governance, which gives people direct say in who leads their council.

I would appreciate it if the Minister of State could outline the role of the director general, who will be operating alongside the directly elected mayor. What specified functions that the chief executive has now - over and above those of the directly elected mayor - will the director general retain?

There is the speaker or chairperson role but there is no provision for someone to deputise for that person. If the speaker or chairperson is not available to chair meetings of the council, will there be a formal deputy who can stand in for him or her? It is important that this matter be clarified.

It would be appropriate for the committee to engage further with the elected members in Limerick and with the County and City Management Association, CCMA, as part of this process. As already stated, it is vital that we get this right. If the Minister of State could touch on the terms and conditions relating to the various roles, I would appreciate it because it is important to put those on record.