Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the points Members have made. I have a few observations to make. When I came into this role, I had to look at a body of legislation that was not only around the legal form but also required a consideration of whether it would work in practice. I have been very honest in that. There are five staff, one of whom, the special adviser, is directly appointed by the mayor. The draft legislation I took on had it that the staff in the mayor's office would be appointed by the director general. I took on board the points made by Members, which were very valid. The point was always put to the public that the staff would remain the remit of the director general. Even if part of that was not put into legislation, we could not have a situation whereby staff could be appointed to a mayor's office without the mayor being consulted and without, in effect, the approval of the mayor.

It is a balancing act. Deputy Leddin made a fine point in this regard. I specifically put in the three-year review because we are on a voyage here. I am also conscious that we had a situation in Limerick where 52% of people voted for the proposal and 48% voted against. In the two other local authorities where there was a plebiscite, Waterford and Cork, the voters went 51% to 49% against what was proposed. We have to bring people with us. Members can describe what I have put in the legislation as they wish but it is a practical measure that will ensure that any staff appointments to the mayor's office do not happen without the mayor being involved. That is a reasonable position. Deputy O'Callaghan made reference to what is done in other countries. That is not what was put to the people. I must respect what was put to the people and I have been honest about that. On that basis, I cannot accept the amendments.

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