Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
154. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the key requirements needed in order for an office of the directly elected mayor be established in Dublin; and the progress being made in the establishment of a colloquium of the four Dublin authorities. [5417/13]
View answerI have established a Local Government Reform Implementation Advisory Group to drive implementation of the Action Programme for Effective Local Government. The establishment of a colloquium, in due course, of the elected members of the four Dublin local authorities to consider the options for the introduction of a directly elected Mayor for a Dublin metropolitan area will be part of the implementation process. It is envisaged that the colloquium will be convened by the Lord Mayor. The requirements for the establishment of an office of the directly elected Mayor in Dublin are set out in the Action Programme, and include issues in regard to the powers, structures and functions of such an office and changes in the powers, structures and functions of local authorities and other relevant bodies, budgetary matters, strategic coordination, an elected assembly with oversight and accountability functions, avoidance of duplication, maximisation of efficiency in local government arrangements, avoidance of cost increases and achievement of savings. The colloquium will assist in the development of a fully workable approach which is likely to gain the support of the relevant electorate.
