Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Craughwell for raising this important issue and assure him that Senators Kelly, Whelan and Landy, and some Fine Gael Senators have raised this issue previously, not only with me but also with the Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, and with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly.

Our discussion today follows the debate last week in this House on the issue of PRSI contributions by councillors and the lack of benefits accruing to them. In response in the House, the Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, indicated he will work with interested parties to see if a fair resolution can be reached in this area. Perhaps it is to that the Senator is referring when he suggests he would like to see a working group set up. The Minister of State has indicated he is willing to work with all interested people. I understand very well the issue the Senator is referring to because I came up through the local authority system.

On the issue of salaries, Senators are already aware of the extraordinary number of hours elected councillors contribute in carrying out their wide range of functions in order to provide the optimum level of service possible to the public. Being an elected member of a local authority is not a job of limited hours. Councillors are continually called on by their constituents. The ending of the dual mandate had an additional impact, increasing pressure to provide services to constituents on local authority issues. Indeed, elected councillors may be financially disadvantaged in representing citizens, particularly where this necessitates them taking time off from their full-time employment.

A range of financial supports is in place to assist councillors in their work. These supports include the annual representational payment of over €16,000 which is set at 25% of a Senator's salary. Annual expense allowances, retirement gratuity, mobile phone allowance and an allowance for chairmen are also provided. The representational payment represents a recognition of the work councillors choose to undertake when they stand for election and, subsequently, serve their community. This payment is not and never was meant to be a salary. Elected councillors have a commitment to their role that extends beyond the financial; councillors know that the annual representational payment is not fully commensurate with their workload, yet they continue to undertake their functions with an admirable degree of dedication.

The House is aware that significant changes have recently been made to local government structures by the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014. My colleague, the Minister, has indicated that he intends to have a review carried out on the operation of the new structures and arrangements generally. This appraisal will be undertaken by a broadly representative advisory group and a working group for engagement with the Association of Irish Local Government.The review will provide a sound evidence base upon which to consider any further changes to the operation of the local government system in Ireland. The ultimate objective of that system must be to improve the quality of life of individuals and the welfare of local communities while delivering the best possible value for money. To this end, it is of primary importance to ensure that the new systems in place, such as the provisions for enhanced policy making and stronger oversight powers for the elected council as a whole, are being operated effectively and as intended.

I have no doubt that the workload of local authority members in the context of the new structures and the associated financial arrangements will arise for consideration in the course of the review. I assure the House that full account will be taken of all views expressed on this and other matters as the work proceeds. I thank the Senator again for raising these very important issues. We are well aware of the matter and it will be considered in the review of local government reforms in the round.