Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Gilroy asked for a debate on insolvency. We are trying to arrange that debate with the Minister for Finance. Senator Wilson called for an all-party approach to the issue of councillors' pay. I agree completely with him. The Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, was in the House half an hour ago when she took a Commencement matter on the issue of councillors' pay. I stressed that the Minister would meet the representative associations which is key. I agree with Senator Wilson's sentiments that we should have a united approach and I think this House has a united approach on this issue. Even Sinn Féin at the LAMA conference agreed with the united approach on this issue. What has upset councillors is the circular issued only a couple of weeks ago with regard to subsistence payments. If a councillor goes to a conference and a meal is provided, the councillor is docked about seven hours subsistence, amounting to about €35. This is a crazy situation and I am sure it does not pertain to the officials in the Department or any other officials when they attend conferences. This matter will need to be addressed as part of those negotiations. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, stated that she would ask the Minister, Deputy Kelly, to meet the representative associations because that would be a first step. Anything that Senators can do to help in facilitating those talks and in reaching a resolution, would be welcome. I agree with Senator Wilson on that matter.