Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 20:

In page 19, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following:

"(3) On the election of the person who is directly elected to the position of Mayor of Dublin, or such other comparable position, that person, and their successors, shall be the Chairperson of the Authority for such period as they hold the office of Mayor.".

One of the main themes in the debate is the need for this organisation to be accountable. A major change we are all expecting and looking forward to in local government is the creation of the role of a directly elected lord mayor for the region of Dublin. One of the important elements in ensuring this new office will be effective is to give it the powers and the ability to make a difference to the lives of the people it will represent. It would be disastrous if a major effort was put in to creating a directly elected post and not give it the necessary powers to make a difference to the lives of the people it will represent.

There is no doubt transport is one of the main issues for the people of Dublin. Given that this organisation will have the ability to develop strategy that will make a major difference to the people of the greater Dublin area and the power to implement that strategy, it is imperative that the new post is created in such a way that the office holder will sit on the board, have an opportunity to lead it and is the chairperson of the authority. If this organisation is to work, we must ensure the right element of accountability is in place. More importantly, if the role of a directly elected lord mayor for Dublin is to work, we must ensure that office has the necessary power, and this amendment is vital to making that happen.