Gay Mitchell
Ceist:9 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Dubliners will have the opportunity to directly elect a Lord Mayor in 2004. [23898/02]
Written Answers. - Local Government Elections.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:15 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the Government's policy with regard to the dual mandate whereby many members of Dáil Éireann are also members of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23867/02]
Willie Penrose
Ceist:47 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is intended to repeal or amend those sections of the Local Government Act, 2001, providing for the direct election of mayors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23868/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 15 and 47 together.
The Local Government Act, 2001, sets out the statutory framework for the local elections in 2004 and thereafter, including new arrangements for the direct election of the cathaoirleach of city and county councils and the question of disqualification from local authority membership. The new Act did not add to the disqualifications already introduced during the 1990s in relation to dual elective service. These and other matters pertaining to the forthcoming local elections have been raised with me in recent months and I intend to complete consideration of them shortly, well in advance of the 2004 elections.