Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I wish to raise the issue of student maintenance grants. A number of us met representatives of the Union of Students in Ireland this morning in Buswells Hotel to discuss the impact on students of delays in grant payments. I found out just this week from the Department of Education and Science that in my own county of Meath, 140 students have not yet received their first payment which was due in October. They have had to pay for rent, clothing and food from their own pockets throughout the winter because the Government has dragged its heels. We can rectify the situation by introducing the student support Bill 2008. It has been in existence for two years. I ask the Leader to use his good offices to find out what is happening to that Bill.

I welcome the publication by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, of the heads of a Bill enabling the election of a mayor for Dublin. However, it is clear from his proposals that further scrutiny and improvements are needed before the proposed legislation is passed into law.

We could do worse than learn lessons from what has been done in other jurisdictions, such as the mayoralties of New York and London. I saw the benefits a directly elected mayor can bring when London established such an office in 2000. Two years ago, I campaigned with my colleagues from the Labour Party in Dublin South-East on behalf of a former mayor, Ken Livingstone. Although the object of our affection was not successful on that occasion, I have no doubt that when it comes to Dublin's mayor, we will be successful.

In scrutinising the Bill in this House, I want to examine the powers conferred on the mayor and the issue of the discretionary budget, which is necessary. It it is clear from listening to the Minister, Deputy Gormley, that he will not meet his original timetable of holding an election in June. Although he expressed certainty that the election would be held before the end of this year, I doubt he will be able to do so because it is clear from his Government colleagues and senior officials around the capital that many people do not want this legislation and would prefer to see it kicked to touch The Minister needs to push on with his proposals while ensuring real powers are devolved to the mayor. The legislation has the potential to provide excellent news on service delivery for 1 million Dubliners, but improvements are needed before we put it through the Houses.