Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. Similar to other sectors, the local authority sector will continue to make available flexible working, remote working and family-friendly arrangements that facilitate work-life balance while ensuring the delivery of all local authority services. Consideration of family-friendly working practices is particularly important in ensuring that elected councils are fully representative of the constituents they serve. In this regard, on 20 October 2020, a ministerial order was signed by the Minster, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, under section 29 of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 allowing meetings of local authorities to be held remotely. It remains a matter for each elected council to decide if it wishes to continue to avail of this order, based on the wishes of the elected members. I am aware of the desire among some councillors, particularly those with family or other caring responsibilities, for the option to attend meetings virtually to continue. I can confirm I am supportive of this aim. My Department will continue to monitor developments in this regard.

Earlier this year, I convened a working group of key local government stakeholders, including councillor representative organisations, to examine the non-pay-related recommendations of the Moorhead report. The working group is in the process of finalising an action plan that will deal with many of the issues referred to by the Deputy, such as administration and IT supports, flexibility of meeting times and duration, and technological solutions. Also covered will be matters such as remote meetings, voting and live-streaming of meetings, along with training and development supports. Addressing these key issues will facilitate the retention of existing councillors, while also maximising the accessibility of local government to future candidates. It will also ensure the role of the councillor is manageable, accessible and sustainable, including for anyone who has other obligations in the form of caring responsibilities or work commitments.

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