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

The section reflects the general scheme as to the delegation of the mayoral executive functions by the mayor to the director general. The Deputy is correct in his interpretation of how it is set up. The section sets out a clear framework for delegating responsibilities, providing functions are delegated through instruments in writing and any functions assigned may be subject to any conditions attached by the mayor. The mayor will still retain oversight and control over any functions that vest in him or her that are delegated and may still perform or invoke these at any stage. The director general is accountable to the mayor in the performance of these functions. Ultimately, he or she has to report back to the mayor. This reflects the position currently with the chief executive who can delegate many functions to the directors of service and other staff in the council but retains ultimate responsibility for those functions. The Deputy is correct; Ministers can delegate as well. This section is essential for the efficient running of business in Limerick City and County Council. Delegating responsibility for a vast array of executive functions enables the director general to, in turn, assign responsibility to the appropriate grade or grades of officers. The provisions of this section enable the mayor to retain overall responsibility and control of mayoral executive functions while ensuring he or she can focus on functions at a strategic and policy level, including strategic development of the Limerick city and county development plan. To not have such a provision would be highly problematic to the smooth running of the local authority.

To take up the Deputy's initial point concerning the transfer of executive functions, the mayor now brings the budget and development plans to the council, not the CEO. There is quite a transfer, certainly around policy, from the CEO to the mayor. We look at it on the basis that there must be a practical aspect to anything we set up. It is subject to review within a three-year period. I accept that nothing is perfect. I said earlier that there is no blueprint for a directly elected mayor anywhere. It is evolving. That is why it is in the general scheme and in the draft Bill as presented to members.