Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Excellent. I thank the Cathaoirleach. As politicians, we all will be aware of the social risk associated with our profession, such as the risk of not being re-elected, the risk of long periods out of office and the consequent implications for every aspect of our lives and our financial situation.While it is true many local authority members have jobs in addition to their role as public representatives, increasingly many do not. Their job as a city or county councillor is their sole occupation.

Following the passing of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, councillors with an enlarged workload and extended electoral areas now spend even more time fulfilling their public office obligations, leaving less time for other paid employment. Most councillors make a lifetime commitment to the people they represent and are elected for many decades of their working lives.

In return for this and the PRSI they pay, they will never get anything back. We use the phrase “a career in politics" but who would want a career outside the protections of the Social Insurance Fund while contributing throughout that career to it? This exclusion is particularly relevant in the context of changes to the national pensions framework. We all know the qualifying conditions for State pensions include a standardisation in the State pension age at 66. Some councillors of 66 years of age are still paying 4% in PRSI.

Where will this leave councillors of the present and future who, having contributed for their entire career, will have no pension entitlements? Christy Burke, Lord Mayor of Dublin, with over 30 years’ service, will have nothing to show for it. Where does it leave those who take extended career breaks to take up mayoral or cathaoirleach positions in local authorities? Where will it leave those who find themselves unemployed following elections? Where will it leave women who are encouraged to enter politics in increasing numbers? It is a well-documented fact that women are traditionally known to have reduced contributions due to time spent at home caring for children. Women are now being disadvantaged as councillors as their time spent in the service to the public will not help them to accumulate one single PRSI contribution.

The argument can be put forward that a gratuity is provided for when councillors reach the age of 50. This, however, does not provide for them for the rest of their lives in the way a contributory pension does. When I recently attended a 1916 commemoration event, I was reminded again that the Proclamation declared, "The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens". Elected members of local authorities are not only citizens. They are also citizens who devote hundreds of hours every week in service of their electorate and communities. By ensuring democratic accountability, encouraging active citizenship and developing valuable local services, city and county councillors provide the cornerstone for our democratic State. Discrimination against them is blatant and unnecessary.

Today, I appeal to the Minister of State, on behalf of all officeholders, particularly on behalf of our hardworking and dedicated city and county councillors, to revisit this issue and to address it as a matter of urgency.