Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has committed to a review to address the functionality of what has taken place and the functionality of what may emanate from a review, how it is funded and the devolution powers. I have mentioned some instances where these were not at all appropriate or have not turned out as one would have expected or wished. There is also the area of facility services available to councillors in local authorities from an administration perspective and for assistance on a professional level on development plans and so forth. The Minister for Social Protection recently commented on the PRSI contribution made by councillors as S class and the meaningless value associated with that in regard to the return that does not accrue to them.

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Will the Minister consider how this might be addressed? Some thought might go into a package to improve their lot, given their service and the commitment they have shown in their communities.

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