John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

There are many former and current local authority members who would have served for many years before May 2000, who would not be covered by such a gratuity. Having said that, I am happy with the last part of the Minister of State's response. I am not hung up on the issue of whether it would be a pension or gratuity and most councillors would not be either. It would allow councillors to have a fair degree of flexibility and I am glad the Minister of State has made such a positive announcement.