Brendan Howlin
Ceist:7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on progress towards a citizens' assembly on a directly elected mayor for Dublin. [38490/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 16 October 2019
Ceisteanna (7)
Freagraí scríofa
At its meeting on 11 June 2019, the Government agreed to the establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly on gender equality and noted that a further Citizens Assembly would subsequently be established to consider the best model of local government for Dublin and, in particular but not exclusively, the issue of a directly elected mayor and his or her powers.
The establishment of the first Citizens’ Assembly, on gender equality, was approved by Dáil Éireann on 9th July and Seanad Éireann on 11th July. The Citizens’ Assemblies Act 2019 providing for the use of the register of electors to select members for both citizens’ assemblies was subsequently enacted and signed into law by the President on 25th July.
At the same meeting in June, the Government agreed the establishment of a Dublin only Citizens’ Assembly to consider the best model of local Government in Dublin and, in particular but not exclusively, the issue of a directly elected mayor and his or her powers. A separate cohort of 99 citizen members will be selected solely from Dublin county for the Dublin Citizens’ Assembly.
It was agreed that the Assemblies would run consecutively, commencing with the Assembly on gender equality.
The Citizens’ Assembly secretariat is now up and running, a Secretary has been appointed and staff assigned.
Dr. Catherine Day, former Secretary General of the European Commission, will serve as Chair of the Assembly on gender equality.
Administrative preparations are underway with a view to convening a first meeting as soon as possible.
Questions Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, resubmitted.