Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2019
89. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the difference in the exact powers of the newly proposed directly elected mayors for Cork, Limerick and Waterford and the functions currently conducted by mayors. [16414/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the public information campaigns and engagements he has conducted to date to inform persons of the detailed proposals being put forward for directly elected mayors in Cork, Limerick and Waterford; and the public meetings scheduled from 9 April 2019 until polling day on 24 May 2019. [16415/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 113 together.
The plebiscites in relation to Directly Elected Mayors with Executive Functions in the Cork City Council, Limerick City and County Council and Waterford City and County Council areas, which will take place on the same date as the forthcoming local elections, will operate in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 2019.
The Government's detailed policy proposals which are to be the subject of the plebiscites have been published in Irish and English and are available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/local-elections/directly-elected-mayors-executive-functions-detailed-0.
The Act makes specific provision for information on the proposals to be brought to the attention of electors in each administrative area concerned, not later than 30 days before the plebiscite takes place, i.e. by 24 April 2019. A Committee, independently chaired by a retired judge of the High Court, and including a suitably experienced senior counsel, relevant Departmental officials, representatives from the local authorities concerned and the Local Government Management Agency, has been established to facilitate and oversee an impartial and factual information campaign in accordance with the 2019 Act and other relevant legal considerations. The information to be provided is likely to be disseminated through a variety of channels including information material provided to each household in the areas concerned, web-based material, social media channels, media advertisements and local public information sessions. The information campaign will be launched shortly.
