Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The local government (Dublin mayor) Bill is listed in section C of the legislative programme, which means the heads have not yet been approved by the Government. The problem is the Government has announced, through the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, that it intends that a direct election of a Dublin mayor will take place next summer. We do not yet know what the mayor will do, as no functions have been set out for the office, how the post will relate to the existing local authorities or what consequential changes will be made in the local government system in Dublin. Two problems arise in this regard. First, the matter has not been clarified and, second, if there is to be an election next summer, an issue of electoral fairness arises. The longer the legislation to provide for a Dublin mayor is delayed, the greater the problem of electoral fairness that will emerge.

Has the Government agreed heads of the Bill to provide for a Dublin mayor? I heard the Taoiseach state, in response to a question from Deputy Hogan last week, that the Bill would be presented some time in the new year. I ask that a mechanism be provided whereby the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government can inform the House or its relevant committee as to what exactly is intended for the office in question - what type of office it will be, what functions it will have and how it will relate to existing local authorities - in order that we have some knowledge about what is planned. Is it even intended to proceed with the proposed election next summer?

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