John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think it is essential for democracy that everybody be treated the same. Deputy Barry spoke about wages. I hope I have answered that. It will be a matter for the Oireachtas to establish the position through legislation after the plebiscites have been held.

Deputy Ó Broin made a very valid point about the issue of devolution of powers from agencies in central Government. A decision was taken that the question would be put to the people on whether they wanted to pursue a directly elected mayor in the three areas where the question is being asked. I think the development of the role in the future will involve devolving more powers from central Government and from agencies. We await the report of Ms Moorehead to point us in the direction of some of those matters.

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