Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will say the same thing as I said at the committee. When the new mayor is elected, he or she will have his or her own adviser. That is in legislation. However, the other four staff members will be existing staff members of the council. I do not have a problem with that. I have a problem if someone transfers over and automatically becomes the director general, which is what is going to happen here . I mean no disrespect to the current CEO or any of the staff when I say that. When we are setting up a role that is supposed to be independent, it is crucial that the mayor is in a position to hire their own staff. That is why the change from director general to mayor is such an important part of the legislation.

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