Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When I spoke on the last occasion, I neglected to welcome the Minister to the House. I wish him well in 2014.

I support this amendment. The point has been well made by Senators Ó Domhnaill and Mooney. During Second Stage, the Minister stated there was an agreement between the two associations, the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland and the Association of County and City Councils that the title "mayor" would be used sparingly and in a limited capacity. We outlined during Committee Stage what cities could use the title "mayor". The Minister stated he understood that what he outlined was the case. However, it is not the case, and I thank the Minister for clarifying that during Committee Stage.

There should be flexibility such that where a county wants to call the cathaoirleach "mayor", it should be allowed to do so. In Cavan, we have always called the chairperson "cathaoirleach" and my hope and preference is that we will continue to do so. However, there should be flexibility for other counties, such as Monaghan, to allow them to call their chairperson "mayor".