Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State spoke of the importance of collaboration and said the mayor will essentially sit as a 41st councillor. I am confused as to why, given the mayor is required to do all this, there is a separate chairman of the council. The mayor has certain powers, the director general has certain powers and there is still a chairman of the council. The mayor will sit in the council and not even chair it. Certain powers are reserved in accordance with the schedule discussed earlier. What is the rationale for the creation of this chair or príomh comhairleoir? There will be more titles than derelict sites in Limerick by the time this Bill is passed.