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

Absolutely. It is not only important but essential that the Minister sets up this committee to liaise with AILG, LAMA and all of the political groups. Councillors deserve a proper stamp and pension rights. I was a councillor for 19 years on Carlow County Council, and like other councillors and Senators who have been councillors previously, I was honoured to represent my community. However, councillors have been affected by what is called local government reform. There have been cutbacks everywhere and local authorities and councillors have been affected.

I ask the Minister to address the House. It is essential that councillors get their entitlements, which is what we in the Fianna Fáil group are looking for.