Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but the Act designates county councillors as officers rather than as public servants.

Senator Terry Brennan spoke about being a councillor and not receiving any remuneration, but there is no comparison between the workload in the 1990s and today. It is a full-time job and many councillors cannot take up other full-time employment. They have to accept part-time employment if they want to serve those who elected them well. One could take on a full-time job if one simply signed in as a councillor and did not take the role seriously. That is possible, but most councillors are totally committed to performing their role.

As I said, I would have no problem with delaying the restoration of pay and pensions for politicians and Ministers. However, I ask that the Minister facilitate teachers, although I must declare a conflict of interest because my husband is a teacher. It is important that I declare such a conflict of interest as it could be argued I stand to benefit from the legislation we are discussing.