Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The piece that is a little bit different is just clarifying the role of the mayor in that. Of course, as an elected councillor they can come forward with these proposals. I did not want to remove that function of the elected council. However, I do want whatever candidates there are for mayor of Limerick - it is not going to be me - to be able to go out and talk to the people of Limerick about the initiatives, projects, peers or equivalent set of cities he or she wants Limerick to be co-operating with, for example to be part of C40 or Safer Cities for Women and Girls. I do not want candidates to be told that has nothing to do with the role of the mayor. They will be proposing it in their capacity as a council member but it is the kind of thing they should be able to campaign on and be clear on. It is the kind of vision piece that affects who people choose as mayor. That is why I am looking for that to be clarified. I would be grateful if the Minister of State could add a sentence or two to clarify that it is his expectation, even though they will be employing their powers as a council member, these are the kinds of areas where a mayor can look to give leadership.