Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is the intention of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to introduce the legislation establishing the role of directly elected mayor to the city of Dublin this year and to have the election this year.

With regard to the inquiry and other questions that have been raised on a number of occasions, contrary to what members of the Opposition are saying about the inquiry it is being set up by the Government to ensure that findings, recommendations and facts will be established and that these will be published, considered and debated. This is what everyone wants to see. It will be time efficient and cost effective. Other issues must be borne in mind.

This inquiry is being set up to underpin confidence, not to undermine it. It is on that basis that we will be working with Members of the Oireachtas in considering issues raised by them. There are disparate views on both sides of the House as to how this will happen, the reasons the inquiry should be established and how it should be set up.

The appointment of the international expert will be a matter for the Government. The terms of reference will be set down after the scoping report is debated by the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Minister will consider the views expressed by Members on what the terms of reference should be. Clearly, it will be a matter for the Government, including the Minister for Finance, to make the final determination on the terms of reference.

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