Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise. If one were to ask a person which representative was most available to him or her and followed up on the relevant issues, I am of the view that councillors would come out ahead of Oireachtas Members. This is simply because they operate at the coalface and are obliged to deal with such issues on a daily basis. We should continue to engage with the Government on the question of overall reform, which involves the Dáil, the Seanad and local government.

The only public debate that has taken place in respect of reform was that which occurred during the Seanad referendum campaign. One of the arguments put forward in support of the abolition of the Seanad involved a reference to countries that have only one house of parliament. It eventually emerged that such countries have numerous local authorities which have very extensive powers, even in respect of finance. From where will the model come in respect of the new reform we are discussing? I am of the view that LAMA and other representative bodies should engage with the Government on where they fit into the overall picture.

On conditions and remuneration, it is unfortunate that on some occasions certain sections of the media dictate the tone of debate. If it suits those who operate in those sections of the media to refer to local authorities and their members in a somewhat jocose manner, then this becomes the centre of the debate, which is totally wrong. I suggest that the Government should engage a professional person to assess what precisely local councillors are engaged in doing. If one considers the hours they work, the number of meetings they attend, the expertise they bring to the table, etc., then one will reach the conclusion that they should be remunerated at a much higher level. An answer in respect of this matter will not be forthcoming via letters to or headlines in the newspapers; it will only be obtained if a professional examination is carried out. Local councillors deserve to be the subject of such an examination.

The first matter about which I am concerned, therefore, is whether our guests have considered where they fit in the context of the reform of the overall system and not just of local government.

The second matter concerns remuneration and conditions. We should put it to bed once and for all by undertaking a professional examination of the time, services and expertise local councillors bring to their job.