Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not propose to make any changes in respect of mayors in counties. We struck a balance in consultation with the Association of County and City Councils and the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland. Their representative bodies had a working group working out the details of these issues for the past year. That is the conclusion it reached and I certainly do not want to unravel that particular issue if it has already come to an agreement on it. I have been very open with the representative organisations of the local elected members and they have made many valuable suggestions. If we re-open that kind of debate, we will here until next Christmas to assure that every county was looked after in terms of title when what I feel is more important is the functions of councillors are stronger and that they realise responsibilities they have and are able to take on the bureaucracy.