Ms Kate Feeney:

There needs to be a power there. I would not be overly concerned about it being abused, as long as someone is doing a good job. Again, the recommendation gives options. It is either by a super-majority of the councillors or by a public vote. I was trying to double-check as the question was being asked but my understanding at the moment is that each of the councils has the power to sack these guys if it so wishes. It is not something that is abused. It is never something that is used as a threat within the chamber either. We often see motions of no confidence against Government Deputies within the Dáil as well. Potentially it is abused within the Dáil but it is not something that is abused at local government level. The safeguard needs to be there particularly when there is a five-year term. Again, the bar needs to be set so high that it cannot be abused or politicised.