Councillor John Kennedy:

I support the submission fully because it is well presented and points out the major shortfalls in the Bill. In my area, Roscommon, we will lose eight county councillors. However, the two adjoining counties, Leitrim and Longford, which combined have the same population as Roscommon have double the representation. The provisions are unfair for counties like County Roscommon.

With regard to social welfare entitlements for councillors, most committee members would be aware that PRSI contributions are deducted from our representational payments, yet we are in class K of the social welfare code. As a result, we have no benefits, including no pension benefits. In category K we are with an elite group category, the senior Judiciary. The public believes we are entitled to social welfare benefits under category A and that is something this committee should drive for us. Many councillors do not have any benefits when they retire and this is an issue that continually arises among our members. Our group is working on this and we look forward to receiving the support of the committee on it.