Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 21, 22 and 23 from the Civil Engagement Group relate to the appointment of the director general in Limerick City and County Council. They propose a process that is not in line with current legislation and also that the mayor would have a role in that appointment. The appointment of a chief executive, and by extension a director general, is a reserved function of the local authority under section 145 of the Local Government Act 2001, wherein following a Public Appointments Service process, the council decides on the appointment. The Public Appointments Service will interview, but ultimately, it still has to come before the council, where there is a reserved function. It is important that the appointment process of a chief executive or director general is consistent across local authorities and in line with established practice. Like the mayor, the director general will be accountable to the council in the performance of their executive functions. It is important that the role of the council in the appointment of the director general continues, in the same way it did in the past for the chief executive.That is what is provided for in this Bill. That has not changed. It is a solid and reliable process. As an ex officio member of the council, the mayor will therefore have a role in the future appointment of a director general, not as an individual, but as part of the collective council.As such, I cannot accept the amendments. I know where the Senator is coming from. When matters are looked at on a balanced level, however, people can see that we have a process. It is extremely important that the way the chief executive and directors general are appointed is consistent across local authorities. We want to get the best possible talent appointed. We have a very good chief executive at the moment in Dr. Pat Daly. We want to ensure the systems are robust. Ultimately, when it comes down to it, any appointment that comes through the Public Appointments Service has to be ratified as a reserve function by the council in chamber, which will now include the mayor as well. It will be 40 plus one. On that basis, I cannot accept these amendments.