Amendment No. 83 proposes to place a statutory obligation on the mayor to act in a manner consistent with achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals, with a particular emphasis on goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities. It is important to note that Ireland's second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2022-2024 was developed in collaboration with all Departments and key stakeholders, and based on input from two public consultation processes. One of the strategic …

As an important aside to Senator Boyhan, if we can assist that particular couple in any way in my Department, I ask the Senator to give me their details and we can follow it up for him. People with disabilities are a subject of great importance that falls under my remit in housing. We brought out our national strategy for housing people with disabilities and I have published an implementation plan for that which is very up to date. It is something I am very committed to and have a deep personal interest in, aside f…

Is that Thomond College?

Yes.

I thank the Senators very much for their contributions. I will speak to amendment No. 85 in the names of Senators Boyhan and Keogan. This amendment proposes to insert a new section into the Bill which would give the mayor responsibility for the administration and implementation of Limerick regeneration projects. It also proposes that an annual report would be submitted to the elected members of Limerick City and County Council for their review, after which it would be furnished to the Department of Housing, Local G…

There is no guillotine here.

The Senator should correct the record on that point. There is no guillotine here.

Anyone who knows me knows that implementation and substance are hugely important to me. I note the genuineness of the amendments that have been put forward. I am trying to work in real time. I want to listen to the Members here. If I am looking through legislation it is because I am actively trying to process what Members are saying. Anyone who knows me knows that is my approach. I have accepted some amendments but there must always be a logic. I put forward this legislation in a very positive frame. The current si…

Again, it is about substance for me. I will give a commitment to look at the proposal. Senator Boyhan will make his own decision on how to proceed. My role, as a Minister of State and as a TD representing Limerick city, is to make sure this legislation works. What I put forward to the Senator is based on what I believe the situation to be. However, I give a commitment to look at his proposal. If, having gone through it further, I believe there is a need for further provision, I will bring something forward on Repor…

I have committed to look at it, but I am of the view, at this moment, that what the Senator is proposing is catered for in the Bill.

No.

Amendments Nos. 86 and 87, which relate to local community safety partnerships, have been grouped together for discussion in the names of Senators Boyhan and Keogan and are supported by Senator Craughwell. These amendments seek to create a role for the mayor as chair of his or her local safety partnership through inserting an additional section in the Bill in amendment No. 86, and by amending the Policing, Community and Safety Act 2024 to that effect in amendment No. 87. The Policing, Security and Community Safety …

It is for technical reasons-----

I cannot accept it because it is not the vehicle for what the Senator wants.

I have made my views known. The amendment is not the vehicle for this. I am having further discussions with the Minister for Justice and her Department on the issue. On the basis that it is not the correct vehicle, I cannot accept the amendment.

I will speak to amendments Nos. 96 to 105, inclusive, first.

These are amendments to the existing tables in Schedule 1, which list the functions of the príomh chomhairleoir and the director general. Amendment No. 96 deletes section 74(1)(b) as a function of the príomh chomhairleoir. Section 74 provides that a local authority may confer a civic honour, such as admission to honorary freedom of its area, on distinguished persons. This is a reserved function and ultimately a matter for the full council. This came up in the Dáil on Report Stage. Following review, and agreement wi…

I covered amendment No. 135.

I have covered up as far as amendment No. 135.

It was probably the way I read it. For the sake of clarity, under the accounting officer functions, Government amendments Nos. 97, 102, 108, 122, 126 and 136 deal with local authority functions in relation to finance. These functions include actions connected with rates, waiving all or a portion of charges, the collection of moneys and requirements for prompt payment of account. These amendments ensure that these remain with the director general as part of the accounting officer role. I apologise.