Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again assure Deputy Humphreys that I am committed to the concept of a directly elected mayor for Dublin. It is regrettable that in the discussions between the four local authorities it was not possible for them to reach consensus on what should constitute the powers and functions of a directly elected mayor. It certainly was not possible for me to ignore the fact that one of the local authorities had some difficulties in that regard. In establishing the forum to allow local public representatives of the four local authority areas, as they then existed, to come together I thought it would be possible for them, as those closest to the citizen, to come to a conclusion on the matter. Deputy Humphreys mentioned some of the issues that are of concern, particularly to the councillors in Fingal, which perhaps should have been reflected upon a little earlier in the process and not taken for granted.

As the saying goes, we are where we are. I will kick-start the process by way of early engagement with the mayors and chairpersons of the four Dublin authorities in early July. I look forward to a constructive process in the future which will meet the objective which Deputy Humphreys and I want.

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