During the local and European elections in 2019, the people of Cork, Waterford and Limerick voted in plebiscites for directly-elected mayors. The people of Limerick accepted the proposal. Unfortunately, people in Cork and Waterford did not. It is over two years since that happened. We expected direct elections for the mayor of Limerick to take place in 2021. Obviously the pandemic interfered in that and delayed it. When will the legislation be ready? When will direct elections for mayor of Limerick take place? Is the Minister satisfied the powers being discussed will be enough to ensure we have a proper mayor and not just a spokesperson for the county? As the plebiscite was carried by such a small majority, will the Government establish a publicity campaign to ensure people are well aware of what we are talking about?

I am very confident the mayoral position that will be created in Limerick will be one that is meaningful and capable of making a difference to those who are represented by it. As the Deputy said, it had to be delayed due to the pandemic. I cannot give him an update on when the creation of the office will take place but I will find out for him and get back to him on it.