Croke Park deal 'not workable'

FIANNA FÁIL backbencher Mattie McGrath expressed reservations about the Croke Park agreement on public service pay.

Mr McGrath, who represents Tipperary South, said the legislation for a directly elected lord mayor of Dublin was being introduced at a time when efficiency and saving measures were being sought in the local government sector. “In Dublin alone, these savings are estimated at €40 million per annum,” he added.

“I wonder where will the Croke Park agreement fit into this arrangement. I question that seriously.’’ He said the Croke Park deal was not workable “if we are to have any type of change”.

Michael D’Arcy (FG) asked if Mr McGrath was rejecting the deal. “I have serious reservations about it. I hope Fine Gael will be able to deal with it when they take over,” Mr McGrath replied.

He was speaking during the resumed debate on the Local Government (Mayor and Regional Authority of Dublin) Bill providing for the directly elected Dublin mayor.

He said it was one of the many changes envisaged in local government, which included the publication of a White Paper.

Reform was badly needed, he said, adding that he had spoken to Minister for the Environment John Gormley and would have further meetings with him on the roll-out of elections for mayors or cathaoirligh in other towns and cities throughout the State.

Mary Upton (Labour) said the directly elected mayor would not be a Rudy Giuliani, Boris Johnston or even Ken Livingstone. “He or she will have limited powers and little accountability and the office will generate substantial but as yet unknown costs to the exchequer,” she added.