John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will answer the questions asked by Deputy Darragh O'Brien in reverse. It is very much my intention that the report will be produced by the end of quarter 1, which is the end of March. I understand there will be recommendations but I do not know whether it will be a series of options or direct recommendations. My absolute intention is that the new system will kick in with the new local authorities. That will require extensive discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in particular.

Deputy Ó Broin asked an earlier set of questions. We must be conscious when we have this discussion that there is a broader context of public sector pay. Part of the job that Ms Moorhead is doing, and will do over the next few months, is making the most robust case possible as to why councillors, as a group, should be paid more and better than, and differently from, how they are paid now. In order for us to have a successful conclusion to negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, we need to make the strongest case possible. That is the job that she has set herself to do.