Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

That remark is not necessary. The compensation figure being bandied about is €5,000. I have only been a member of Roscommon County Council for less than four years. Some have been members for 25 or 30 years. I do not want to get into the costs involved. It is not right to offer a derisory amount on a take it or leave it basis to anybody who has been in a job for that long.

No doubt Government Deputies and Senators will vote for this and I may have to accept the Bill will be passed. While I acknowledge I will not be able to stand at the next council election, I appeal to the Minister to permit directly elected mayors because this would help democracy.

There is a cosy cartel. I am not casting aspersions or suggesting the councillors cannot do the job but they do not want Deputies and Senators coming down and giving them grief. Part of the Department has been instrumental in ensuring Deputies and Senators will not stand for office because once we are out of the way they will be able to do what they like. I have only been a councillor for four years but we will get rid of a wealth of experience when we eliminate the dual mandate. The Minister is doing a good job and is enthusiastic about what he does. If he must eliminate the dual mandate, I ask him to permit directly elected mayors.