Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Senator Twomey should go into discussion with Senator Regan to have explained to him the rules on tendering and procurement in Ireland and the EU. Local authorities cannot hand out work willy-nilly without going through procedures. If Senator Twomey is correct, we need to have a debate on it. I am not sure that is the point he is making.

The House should acknowledge the launch of the election campaign of the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, to be the first directly elected mayor of Dublin and should wish him well. I note that he welcomes this. Can we look forward to early legislation on the issue of directly elected mayors? Is there an indication from the Government that there will be an agreed candidate? We understand it is a dress rehearsal for the next step, running for the park. We are aware that Senator Mary White is considering this and on these benches we have hopes for Senator Norris, who may look in that direction. We could discuss where this will finish up.