Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let us be honest. We are talking specifically about the staff in the mayor's office. They would still have to be appointed by the director general technically, but, as happens with Ministers of State, the mayor would be involved in the interview process. That is the norm. That is the practical aspect. It was always put forward from the start that staffing would remain an executive function of the director general, apart from the special adviser who will be employed by the council but appointed by the mayor.