Keith Swanick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking the time to come to the House to address the concerns of local authority members. While not always a common feature in this House, there is unanimous support to have councillors' pay and conditions comprehensively addressed.

Last year I compiled a comprehensive research report on mental health among local authority members that I sent to the Minister's office. The findings give a stark insight into the immense pressures on local authority members. In 2014, local government legislation reduced the number of local authority members but, as the Minister will know, increased the size of the areas covered. The measure had a knock-on effect on workload. It is little wonder that 82% of local authority members believe their responsibilities had increased in recent years; 79% said the role had impinged on family life; 68% said the demands of the job would make them consider not running for office again, as alluded to by Senator Boyhan; 67% have experienced mental stress as a direct result of their role; and over 50% have experienced sleep disturbance. The term "24-7" was by far and above the most used phrase that appeared in the responses provided by the local authority members. The duties undertaken by local authority members are endless. As one respondent said: "Councillors are like social workers and sometimes we are the first to get a call when people are in trouble."

There is a direct correlation between the terms and conditions of local authority members and the work, stress and pressures in their lives. One only needs to consider the sensible and realistic solutions given by councillors on how to alleviate some of their concerns. I beseech the Minister to listen to them and sort out this matter once and for all. I concur with Senator Davitt's approach and proposals.