Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the proposed new local authority boundaries in Cork. The boundaries in question were finalised via legislation passed by the Oireachtas in recent weeks. One of the provisions in that legislation stipulates that plebiscites in respect of directly-elected mayors for Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford be held. I think that is a positive step, but the information required for that debate is going to be key over the next 16 weeks. In that time, there will be a robust debate on whether directly-elected mayors will be good for these cities and whether they constitute a positive development for society and democracy. The lack of a commission inform the public is something we need to discuss. A referendum commission must be appointed in order people might be given information about both sides of the argument.