Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The House should be aware that this issue does not just apply to county councillors. It is a tax on public service. It is unconstitutional and I believe it goes against the European Convention on Human Rights. Comments were made in this House about solo runs. While my report was accepted yesterday by members of all parties and none - it was a joint Oireachtas committee submission and it will be a joint Oireachtas committee report - my only regret is that it was not a joint Seanad submission. I am very hurt that my colleagues would not join with me in the submission. I am very grateful to the Association for Irish Local Government, AILG, for its input into the report. I hope the Seanad will now get behind the submission and drive it forward in the next Government.