Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister of State and his team on all the work they have done in respect of this ground-breaking proposal for legislation that will have a lasting impact, not just in Limerick but also, possibly, in other cities too. The proposal for directly elected mayor of Limerick was voted on by the people of Limerick. As my colleague, Senator Cummins, stated, Limerick could become a pilot for the roll-out of this type of office in other cities. That is why it is so crucial that this is a success. Councillors are elected to represent their local areas and they reflect the democratic will of the people. The success of a directly elected mayor will be based on the collaboration and the relationship with those local councillors. This is why councillors being treated as the democratically elected representatives of their communities and ensuring that their experience is appreciated and their voice always heard and respected will be critical to the success of this project.

It is really important that councillors' powers, responsibilities and influence be protected in order to ensure local democracy continues to flourish; it is also really important to ensure local democracy remains an attractive proposition for people because without candidates or councillors we simply would not have local democracy. That is why the significant difference between the pay of the mayor and that of councillors is so noticeable. I welcome the rumours - for that is what they still are at this stage - that the remuneration and conditions of councillors are to be revised in line with the Moorhead report, which is fitting for the level of work that goes into the role of councillor. The mayor of Limerick will have a key strategic role when it comes to the big-ticket items like the national planning framework and Project Ireland 2040 in the Limerick City region. I, for one, am excited at the prospect of candidates outlining their vision for Limerick as we approach the inaugural mayoral election.

I take this opportunity to thank the Minister of State for the work he is doing to make council chambers across Ireland more diverse and inclusive. He has done a huge amount of work with Women for Election and with cross-party representatives of female councillors on issues like maternity leave. It is fantastic to see him taking such a strong leadership role on that issue, so well done on that.