Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator McCarthy in relation to time off for PAYE workers. Regulations should be put in place to allow these workers time off to attend council meetings.

The term of the council should be extended from five to seven years. As one who was elected only in 1999 it took time to get to grips with council business. When I became a Member of the Seanad it became even more difficult. Colleagues on all sides will agree. To run the local elections in conjunction with the Presidential election would be helpful but would probably require a constitutional referendum. It is worth considering and would help increase the turnout for local elections.

The Minister's intention to consider the question of full-time councillors is welcome. In the meantime, will he increase the amount of money being paid to them? It is costing them dearly to maintain their phones, cars and attend meetings all over the place. That they have to run around the country to conferences to make a few pounds is not acceptable and I ask the Minister to examine that matter.