Ms Dee Ryan:

I concur with the sentiments expressed by Mr. Moran. I would characterise it differently. I would not say that what we see a series of climbdowns in the Bill; I would say it does not go far enough in implementing the report of the implementation advisory group. Perhaps Professor Ó Broin and Dr. O'Malley have had an opportunity to review it. It has a vision for a much greater office with much greater control and power and the means by which to deliver it. In that context it is envisaged that the elected members of the council would have a responsibility to hold the directly elected mayor fully to account. That is why the emphasis was given on provisions around that. We had envisaged a person who would have a real, meaningful mandate and means to deliver change for the people of Limerick.