Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1441: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm his plans for the election of mayor of Dublin; if he will outline consultations and contacts he has had with the four Dublin local authorities on the matter; when he expects the election to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31690/10]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1524: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will present a report on his plans for the election of a Dublin mayor; the schedule being followed in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33934/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1441 and 1524 together.

The public commitment to introduce a directly elected Dublin Mayor has been a priority since the Government took office. The Green Paper on Local Government, published in early 2008, outlined the various options in regard to the establishment of the office, its functions and responsibilities. Consultation both preceded and followed the Green Paper's publication. In February 2010 the general scheme of the mayoral legislation was published on my Department's website. My Department has also been engaging with the four Dublin local authorities in relation to preparations for the introduction of the Mayor.

The development of the mayoral legislation has been steadily pursued since publication of the general scheme. Government has approved the text of the Local Government (Mayor and Regional Authority of Dublin) Bill 2010, and the presentation of the Bill which will occur very shortly. Elections will follow as soon as possible after the enactment of the Bill.