John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be helpful by sharing time with my colleague, Deputy Emer Higgins, if that is all right. This is an exciting time for Waterford and I stated at a previous committee meeting that I was disappointed that my county narrowly voted against the measure in 2019 when it came before the electorate. I hope we will get the opportunity to revisit that. There is no doubt the new mayor will be a voice for both city and county. Deputy O'Donoghue raised some concerns in that regard. I support the comments from Ms Ryan about the liveable city and it is something I am pushing in Waterford.

Will the witnesses comment on the position of deputy príomh comhairleoir? It is not in the legislation but if the príomh comhairleoir is unavailable or sick for a meeting, there is no position for a deputy and the provision is that it would be elected from the floor of the council meeting. It would be a sensible measure to have an official deputy so what is the opinion of the witnesses on that?