Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House this morning for this debate. Now that we have voted to have a directly elected mayor in Limerick, it was my understanding it was to be in two years but I believe it may be three years. When does the Minister of State envisage us having the first directly elected mayor? As the Minister of State knows, I led the campaign on behalf of Fine Gael around both Limerick city and county. People were concerned about the powers the mayor will have. They also asked if transport will be included because transport is so relevant to both the city and county. The directly elected mayor in London has responsibility for things like the environment and driving business. Business is a really important opportunity for the mayor to drive forward. Having an economic driver for the city and county was one of the things I mentioned when I was going around asking people to vote for a directly elected mayor.

I also mentioned the mid-west region. While my colleagues in places like Clare may disagree with me, I believe a thriving region needs a thriving Limerick because it is right at the heart of the region. While the mayor needs enhanced powers, we also need to reform local government; they go hand-in-hand. We may also need to strengthen the councillors' powers.

Limerick will be the flagship for the other cities as it will be the first city to have this. In saying that, we need to get it right. I am anxious to work with the Minister of State. I will consult people in Limerick to hear their views. I know there will be an open door when I come back to the Minister of State and he will listen to those. It is important to get it right from day one especially as Limerick will be the first place with a directly elected mayor. I would like transport and the environment to come within the mayor's remit. I may also come back with one or two other requests.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I apologise for getting caught in traffic around Naas. I thank Senator Byrne for raising the issue. I would also like to thank her for her support and very active campaign in the recent plebiscite for the directly elected mayor in Limerick city and county. I have no doubt that her support and that of civil society in Limerick were instrumental in the positive vote there, as was the support of other politicians.

Most importantly, I want to thank the people of Limerick city and county for backing the Government’s proposal and opting for a radical leap forward in local government. This is a very exciting time in the history of local government in Limerick. It fits in with what has been a decade of renewal in Limerick city in particular, but also in the merged authority that is Limerick City and County Council.

The Government has been given a mandate by the people of Limerick to put in place the first directly elected mayor with executive functions. As Senator Byrne has said, Limerick will be the flagship for the country. I want to assure the people of Limerick that the Government plans to maximise this incredible opportunity to boost local government there.

In line with the legislation, I will now prepare and submit to the Houses of the Oireachtas a report with proposals for legislation providing for a directly elected mayor for Limerick. The legislative proposals must be submitted by 24 May 2021, two years after the vote, but I have asked my officials to prioritise this work. I want to bring the report and legislation forward as early as possible next year rather than in 2021.We have a good basis for the legislation in the Government's policy paper and will take on board the feedback received during campaigns such as the one referred to by the Senator on transport, the environment and business. Some of the functions are already performed within the local authorities. I am thinking, in particular, of the LEOs and environment sections of the local authorities, but transport is certainly one issue that is topical and important at local level. We will consult stakeholders in Limerick and across the local government system.

The process will also involve a review of legislation underpinning the functions of local authorities and engagement across all Departments. With the establishment of the position of directly elected mayor comes an incredible opportunity for further ambitious local government modernisation. The directly elected mayor and the elected council must have scope and the capacity to create a vision for the future of Limerick and be empowered to take responsibility for delivering on that vision through having real budgetary and functional clout across as wide a range of areas as possible.

It is important to point out, as outlined in the Government's policy proposals, that the chief executive will still hold a critical role. The success of the directly elected mayor will crucially be dependent on a strong, committed and passionate chief executive and an effective mayor-chief executive working relationship to deliver on the vision and programme of the council and the mayor. Limerick City and County Council is very lucky to have an energetic and passionate chief executive in Conn Murray. I recognise the extraordinary work he has done in recent years, not least in leading the very successful merger of the two local authorities in the city and the county and developing the hugely ambitious Limerick 2030 programme. In terms of timelines and in the expectation the legislation will be prioritised in the Houses, the first election could take place to Limerick City and County Council in 2022 or beforehand.

I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter and her work on it, with that of others heretofore, as well as the officials in the Department who have been very active in promoting the idea of having directly elected mayors with executive functions.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his very informative response. There has been a learning curve. I pay tribute to the CEO and his staff who play a relevant role. It will be very important for the CEO and the mayor to work side by side. The CEO and his staff certainly have a very important role to play. The sooner the legislation can be brought forward the better. It will show the timeline and what we are trying to achieve and allow people to have an input. The sooner we can bring it forward to allow people to make submissions and have their voices heard the better. I also think of the people who voted "No", of whom there were a significant number. While the plebiscite was won by 3,000 votes, we must listen to the voices of the people in question and their concerns to see whether we can resolve them.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I reassure the Senator again that the legislation states the Minister must produce a report and legislation on a directly elected mayor within 24 months. I intend to do so within 12 months, if possible. It is the number one priority in drafting legislation in the local government section of the Department. As the Senator can appreciate, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has many other priorities, but from the local government angle, this is the number one priority. People in Limerick need to see evidence that their votes are being reflected in activity in the Custom House and the local authority. There will be extensive engagement with various stakeholders. The Senator mentioned the staff and management of the council, as well as the newly elected members of Limerick City and County Council. I mention those in wider civic society who engaged so well in the plebiscite and others who wish to make a contribution. I intend to expedite the process in order that we will have the legislation in the middle of next year to establish the position of directly elected mayor in Limerick. The same legislation will apply to other such posts in the future.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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I commend the Minister of State for the work he has done in such a short timeframe. I know that he and his Department have put a lot of effort into it, with the former High Court judge Henry Abbott. Is there any update on councillors' pay and conditions which is part of the process?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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That matter is not relevant.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State might give us a brief line on it.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can raise the matter on the Order of Business. We are against the clock.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I have not yet received the report.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It is a different topic.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I should have mentioned Henry Abbott who chaired the committee that was responsible for gathering and disseminating information on the plebiscite. He is an eminent former judge.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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A very eminent former judge.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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Does the Minister of State expect to receive the report soon?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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With respect, that is a different item which the Senator can raise on the Order of Business.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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No more than the Leas-Chathaoirleach, we have to look after our flock.