Councillor challenges rule limiting motions on same topic to one every six months

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Prior to the end of a lengthy June meeting of Sligo County Council, Cllr Edel McSharry voiced her frustration at the fact that one of her motions was left off the meeting’s agenda.

Addressing the meeting under Any Other Business, Cllr McSharry raised her objection that a motion she submitted in relation to mental health issues was not included for discussion.

The reason given for the motion not being included on the agenda was that under standing order rules, a topic can only be raised once every six months. However, Cllr McSharry expressed the view that the issue of mental health is too broad to restrict Councillors to raising issues of such concern just once every six months.

Addressing the meeting, Cllr McSharry said, “I think there might have been a perception that mental health can only come on the agenda under the standing orders once every six months. I think this is a false interpretation.”

Cllr McSharry continued, “I agree with the standing orders, I have no issue with those. The interpretation is not correct in my view both professionally and academically. Mental health is not a one item agenda. Mental health is the same as physical health, not letting it on the agenda, only every six months, disadvantages people with mental health.”

Addressing her fellow Councillors, Cllr McSharry said, “I am speaking on it seeking your support that we interpret, going forward, the standing orders that mental health is not considered a one item agenda, that it is actually something that is multi-faceted.”

My argument is not about the standing orders, my argument is about what you consider a repetitive item as being. My argument is that mental health is not a singular item.

In reply Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Donal Gilroy said, “If you want to put a written proposal as to a change to standing orders, that will be accepted. That is what has to be done.”

Responding to Cllr Gilroy, Cllr McSharry insisted, “No, that is my point. You have to listen to my argument. My argument is not about the standing orders, my argument is about what you consider a repetitive item as being. My argument is that mental health is not a singular item.”

Cllr Gilroy responded saying, “I have discussed it with the meetings administrator; the standing orders would need to be amended. That is the fact of the matter.”

Cllr Gilroy added, “I don’t see the motions until the agenda comes out with the exception if the meetings administrator and her management would feel that something was already similar. I get the final call on it, I won’t get the final call in the future, we’ll leave it up to the next person. It’s certainly not anything against mental health, absolutely not.”

Cllr McSharry received widespread support from her fellow Councillors with Cllr Michael Clarke saying, “I concur 100% with Cllr McSharry. There are so many different facets of mental health.”

It’s like saying we talked about roads once in the last six months so we can’t bring up any roads, it is ridiculous

Similarly, Cllr Fergal Nealon remarked, “I agree 100% wholeheartedly with everything Cllr McSharry has said on this point. It’s like saying we talked about roads once in the last six months so we can’t bring up any roads, it is ridiculous. I see there is a lot of nodding heads, I take it that is the sentiment from the floor.”

Cllr McSharry was also supported by Cllr Gerard Mullaney who commented, “I have no criticism of Council staff or any decision you (Cllr Gilroy) made but I totally agree with Cllr McSharry.

“There is a growing number of people, for whatever reason, suffering with mental health. It is important the people who are elected to this body can be their voice and we can articulate their concerns. If standing orders need to be amended, let the new Cathaoirleach have a meeting of the committee that deals with standing orders and get this sorted quickly.”

Cllr McSharry’s argument was also supported by Cllr Thomas Healy who commented, “If we have to amend standing orders, we need to amend them straight away. The most important thing is the people who put their faith in us to raise their concerns, that they are raised.”

The discussion came to a close with Cllr Gilroy stating, “I can only work with what you have approved as standing orders. They have to be interpreted by both management and myself and that’s the way we have to work. Any changes to them, you are welcome to bring them forward.”

That exchange brought the meeting to a close and also marked the close of Cllr Gilroy’s final meeting as Cathaoirleach with the Grange representative commenting, “Thanks everyone for your co-operation over the last 12 months. It has been an honour and a pleasure.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.