Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. Following the 2014 local government reforms, the areas served by councillors have expanded and their workload has increased. In counties with a small population, like Carlow, councillors are faced with a shortage of funding to carry out even basic works like grass cutting, for example. This leads to a lot of frustration. Councillors have to deal directly with communities who are paying extra taxes, like the local property tax. The communities, therefore, have greater expectations of the work to be carried out by their local authority, when, in reality, the councils are doing more work. It is not only important but essential that the Minister sets up this committee to work with AILG, LAMA and all of the political groups here. Every councillor deserves a proper stamp and proper pension rights-----