Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I sincerely thank all of the councillors for coming in today to share their expertise and experience with us. I also thank them for the amazing work that they do. They do phenomenal work. There is no doubt that being a councillor is a vocation because it is certainly not for the money. Councillors are so passionate about their work. When I travel around the country and meet councillors I see that passion. I once asked a councillor whether he would run for the Dáil. The person is present today but I will not out him because he would kill me. He said why would he try to become a Deputy when he can be in his own community, which is where he wants to be. It is his life.

I believe the work we have undertaken in the Seanad is really important. I think it could represent a rethink of the very centralised top-down approach that has traditionally characterised the approach to local democracy. It is so important that we hear from councillors who work in local government and serve communities. Councillors contend with major challenges to represent their communities. They display so much passion and resilience. Their voices should get a greater airing in the Oireachtas.

The submission we received from LAMA rightly points out that recent legislation passed through this House, supported by the Government, took yet more influence out of councillors' hands, which I think is very worrying. As we do this programme of work to generate ideas, how do we improve and empower local democracy? We must reflect on the role the Oireachtas has played in getting it in this situation, and that is vital.

I have a few questions and want to highlight a couple of things. Some councillors highlighted the issue of abuse on social media and I brought up this issue this morning as well. Online abuse has gone on for years but has intensified recently which has safety implications for councillors and impacts people's willingness to engage with politics. I am sure that has been realised by some of our guests. How do the councillors think we can protect them, particularly in terms of mental health and safety? How can we promote a more positive and inclusive political sphere?

I know that the following issue is a huge question. Can our guests tell us what they have found to be the most challenging parts of being a councillor? What change do they feel is the most urgent?

During this morning's session, we heard from former Ministers who expressed divergent views on whether town councils should be restored. What do the councillors think of that?

Councillors must take on an ever-increasing amount of work these days and familiarise themselves with increasingly complex issues. Do they think secretarial support and policy advice would help them going forward with all of the amazing work that they do?