We have the results of the three plebiscites on directly-elected mayors. I note the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, is present. Limerick city voted by a slim majority to accept the proposal, while Cork and Waterford voted by an equally slim majority to reject it. Most of us here see the potential of directly-elected mayors and what they can bring to a reformed and invigorated local government system. What does the Minister of State propose to do next? The Government has committed to have a citizens' assembly in respect of Dublin. Would he consider having a wider citizens' assembly now or a separate one, whichever is the more appropriate? That would allow us to develop a strong, coherent model in order that people can understand what specific powers we want to devolve, as well as the relationship between the executive and a newly elected mayor. That was patently not the case during these plebiscites.

I call Deputy Quinlivan, who has a related question.

The programme for Government has a commitment to legislate for directly-elected mayors. I was delighted to see voters in Limerick approve the proposal put in the plebiscite on Friday to allow for a directly-elected mayor to lead our local authority. Sinn Féin supported a "Yes" vote for a directly-elected mayor in Limerick but we had a job of work to explain to people the benefits of having that position. That was because of the total lack of information provided by the Government. I have no doubt this lack of clarity contributed to the proposal, which is positive, failing in Waterford and Cork. That is a shame. Will the Minister of State tell us when he will publish legislation to provide for a directly-elected mayor to show more powers are being returned to the citizens of Limerick?

I acknowledge those who contributed to the plebiscite discussions and the campaigns in the three local authorities. There was actually quite a convincing majority in Limerick. It approached 4,000 votes.

It was 52%.

That is correct but there were 4,000 votes in the difference between both sides.

That is hardly convincing.

In respect of Cork and Waterford, the result in Waterford came down to a difference of 720 or 730 votes.

Leave Waterford alone.

Some 360 votes would have swung the result. The Cork city result was something similar.

The people of Cork made it very clear.

This is for questions on legislation.

Regarding what Deputy Quinlivan said, we will proceed as soon as possible. Tomorrow, my officials and I are meeting members of the civil society group from Limerick who supported the plebiscite. We will proceed with Limerick, which will be the leader in this area of local government reform. I assure Deputy Howlin that the issue of directly-elected mayors for Cork and Waterford has not gone off the agenda at all. In the next couple of weeks, the Government will decide on the citizens' assembly on the Dublin area. However, Limerick itself will be the test ground for the establishment of the position of directly-elected mayor. I envisage, nevertheless, that the issue will be revisited for Cork city and Waterford city and county in the near future.