Councillors only want the chairman to speak at events
County Council Chief Executive Ciaran Hayes could be sidetracked at official functions in future as councillors have voted that only the Cathaoirleach should be allowed speak on behalf of the Council.
The council has also voted that it will be up to the Cathaoirleach if he/ she wishes to be accompanied by a council official at events.
The move is sure to heighten tension between officials and councillors.
Cllr Bree proposed the recommendation at Monday’s meeting of the County Council in the absence of the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Hubert Keaney.
The proposal came from the members of the Procedures Committee, who Cllr Bree said were anxious to ensure that the position and role of the Cathaoirleach, or first citizen, “is fully recognised.”
Cllr Bree said: “This recommendation from the Procedures Committee essentially confirms that unless authorised by the Cathaoirleach or the Council, the Cathaoirleach shall be the sole Council representative to attend and speak at such events.
“Other speakers at an event whether they be individual members of the Council or Council staff will not be speaking on behalf of the Council.
“The Local Government Act 2001 confirms that it is the elected Council, who determine policy of the Local Authority and it further states the Executive carry out all functions, which are not provided in law to be reserved functions, in accordance with the policy determined by the elected Council.”
The recommendation adopted from the Procedures Committee is:
“Recognising that it is the role of the Cathaoirleach to represent the Council at civic forums, conferences, and events and at public and ceremonial occasions, this Council resolves that all invitations received from outside bodies requesting representation from the Council at an event/ function/ meeting/ conference be referred to the office of the Cathaoirleach for consideration:
“And the Council further resolves that, unless authorised by the Cathaoirleach or the Council, the Cathaoirleach shall be the sole Council representative to attend and speak at such events:
“And furthermore the Council resolves that the Cathaoirleach be authorised to allow a Council official to accompany him/ her if so desired by the Cathaoirleach.”