Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

There is a fundamental question about where the balance lies in the local authority between the mayor, in selecting his or her team, and the director general, and who has the dominant power. Amendment No. 15 is in my name. On Committee Stage, the Minister indicated that he felt the director general should have that power and that any powers relating to the human resources function would rest with the director general. That has been understood. I acknowledge Deputy Sherlock's point that this is a political position. It has always been said that any appointment of personnel would rest with the director general.

My feeling, to speak to Deputy Sherlock's point, has always been that this is a political position. When the people voted, they did so on the understanding that the mayor would be able to assemble his or her own team. I am happy with the balance that has been struck - this is what I argued for on Committee Stage - to provide that the director general will appoint his or her team in consultation with the mayor. The Minister has amended it slightly to say "after consultation with the mayor." I think that is acceptable. I know there is an important nuance there.

I think the Minister of State will know more than anybody the reality that a Minister and their Secretary General have to work together. It simply does not work unless there is a relationship between the Minister and the Secretary General. If there is not, it is a bad situation. I think what will happen in reality is that the mayor, who has been given the mandate by the people of Limerick, will set out their programme. They will indicate what their priorities will be during the year and the term ahead. The director general is mandated to work with the mayor in that regard. Consistent with how this House has always worked, and it does work effectively, it is the director general who has that corporate and legal responsibility in the appointment of personnel. That is what has been achieved here. I think the mayor will have and should have an influence, and that is critically important. The mayor does have an influence and, with respect, has maximum control over the appointment of his or her special adviser, just as a Minister in this House would. I think the balance has been struck. I do not foresee a situation where the people of Limerick will elect a mayor who has a hostile relationship with the director general, and nor do I envisage a situation whereby a director general will have a hostile relationship with the mayor who has been elected. Those of us in Limerick will know about the good relations between the political side of the house and the executive. It is to Limerick's great benefit and I think that will continue with this new office.

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