David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on implementing change at local government level through directly elected mayors as considered in the recently published Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20768/08]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the greater devolution of decision making from county to town councils as discussed in the Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change. [20769/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 124 together.

The Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, presents a set of options which share a common theme of strengthening local democratic leadership. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, Stronger Local Democracy proposes a Regional Mayor for Dublin to address the strategic challenges the city faces. The Paper also considers that local leadership, accountability and connection with the citizen can be achieved through the provision of directly elected mayors, with key powers of initiative, for all counties and cities.

Stronger Local Democracy proposes for examination measures such as the empowerment of existing town councils through devolved decision making and the negotiated transfer of functions from county to town level. The Paper states that town government can best be empowered by giving local councillors a greater say in decision making while working with county council staff and resources to implement those decisions.

The Green Paper is part of a transparent, inclusive policy formulation process. It includes key proposals for strengthening local democracy and sets out a range of options as to how those proposals may be brought forward. Copies of Stronger Local Democracy have been sent to all members of the Oireachtas.

My Department is now embarking on a public consultation process to inform the drafting of the White Paper, which I hope to finalise by year end. My own views are contained in the Green Paper, and I look forward to receiving responses from all concerned. Details of how to contribute to the consultation process are available on my Department's website. I will also be holding a number of regional seminars in the coming weeks in order to gather as full a range of perspectives as possible.