Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We all appreciate the importance of local government. My constituency, Kildare South, spans three local authority areas, which are Kildare, Laois and Offaly, with a total of 78 councillors. I hear on the ground that some councillors find it increasingly difficult to get release from their full-time jobs to attend crucial council meetings. Interestingly, it is not private sector employers that are causing this difficulty but public sector employers, particularly in the health and education sectors. I would be grateful if the Taoiseach's office could liaise with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to remind these agencies of the importance of local government and that these councillors should be facilitated. If they are not, we should consider legislation in that regard. I thank the Taoiseach.

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