The controversial dual mandate which allows TDs and senators to hold local council seats is to be abolished in 2004, the Government confirmed today.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, said the dual mandate will end following the next local elections.
However, plans to allow voters elect mayors directly have been scrapped. The Minister said allowing those elected to local councils to elect a mayor was consistent with the system in the Dail. Mr Cullen said the State does not have presidential-type powers and that he personally was against such a system.
Mr Cullen said there would be no compensation for TDs and Senators who surrender their council seats. However, they will be entitled to a gratuity of €7,500.
The Opposition parties were critical of the minister's timing, saying the announcement was designed to deflect attention from the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2002 which passed through the Dáil today. They claim not enough time was set aside to debate this legislation.
In response Mr Cullen suggested Opposition parties had "filibustered" for nearly an hour and a half in the Dail this morning leaving only 7 minutes in which to debate the bill today. The minister pointed out that there had been two previous days debate on the matter.