Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for selecting this Commencement matter. I warmly welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for local government and electoral reform, Deputy Phelan. To get to the kernel of this Commencement matter, there has been media coverage in recent days relating to the proposal or suggestion of an elected executive mayor for the Dublin area, including the commuter belt towns of Kildare, Wicklow and Meath. That this has been reported is not to say it is fact, but it was published in the media. There was also the suggestion of a directly elected executive mayor for Cork city and county. Will the Minister of State outline the facts of this case?

I wish to hone in on the question of devolving powers. It is a great idea, but from whom are we taking those powers and to whom are we giving them? With devolved power comes devolved responsibility. Who are we taking responsibility from and to whom are we giving it? With devolved power comes funding, with the implications of that for the local property tax and commercial rates. Who are we taking the funding from and to whom are we giving it? To whom will these people be accountable?

I would appreciate it if the Minister of State shared with us his vision in this regard, throw some light on the facts and tell us how the Government intends, if it intends at all, to proceed with having elected mayors. Will they be figureheads of executive elected mayors? There is a subtle but important difference.