Directly elected mayor plebiscite
Deputy Ellis asked when legislation would be brought forward for a plebiscite on directly elected mayors and whether the Government would act on the result. Minister Eoghan Murphy said a plebiscite was intended for autumn and a paper on options would go to Government in April.
The issue of a directly elected mayor has been discussed for many years as part of local government reform. When will the Government bring forward legislation to hold a plebiscite on the idea of a directly elected mayor? A plebiscite does not compel the Government to follow its result but would provide a good indication as to whether the public approves a measure. If the public supports the idea of a directly elected mayor in a plebiscite, will the Government commit to changes in legislation to reflect the public's wishes?
Comment on this
The Government has signalled its intention to hold a plebiscite on directly elected mayors in the autumn. It will require legislation to come through the House. Work is ongoing in my Department to bring a paper to Government. We will make a decision on what options to proceed with on the holding of a plebiscite and I hope to bring that to Cabinet in April.