The Government has been accused of trying to distract attention away from the Planning Development Bill by formally announcing today that the dual mandate is to end.
The ending of the dual mandate means that from 2004 members of the Dáil and the Seanad can no longer serve on local authorities.
The Labour spokesperson on Environment and Local Government, Mr Eamon Gilmore, said that today's announcement by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Martin Cullen, regarding the dual mandate was clearly timed to distract attention away from the outrageous manner in which the government rammed through the Planning and Development Bill through the Dail without any proper debate or consideration.
"There is clearly a lot more needed in the area of local government reform than simply removing TDs from local authorities, but Minister Cullen has nothing to offer in this regard," said Mr Gilmore.
He also accused the Government of fearing "the wrath of the people in the next local government elections" by reversing the provision allowing for the direct election of Mayors.
"The Minister has indicated that legislation will be published in the New Year to give effect to his announcement regarding the dual mandate.
"The Labour Party will consider the legislation when it is published. However, the question of the dual mandate is an issue that should be decided on its own merits and the question of financial packages or compensation should not enter into the equation," he added.