Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and wish to speak in support of the huge contribution councillors make to their local communities, a contribution which is often forgotten. I was lucky enough to meet councillors across the country when I ran in the Seanad election last year. I was blown away by the work they do and I feel terrible that I had not been aware it until then. I was in Sligo last month with the Association of Irish Local Government to get further input. Wherever I have gone across the country, particularly in regard to the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, I have relied on hard-working councillors to engage with local communities. It has been a real insight into the daily reality of the job, particularly the long hours. There is not enough awareness of the vital role councillors play.

Deputies work very hard to represent their constituencies, but they must spend considerable time here in Leinster House and must think nationally as well as locally. It puts a big demand on their time and their attention. As a consequence, local councillors often become the first port of call for people with a problem. They are the people who can identify and track local issues and try to get them sorted quickly. This is particularly important when it comes to vulnerable people, which is the area in which I work, where many may not know what kind of support they entitled to, or how to access it. Councillors step in here, and their role can be almost like that of social workers or therapists. In my work with the RISE Foundation and on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, I see a big crossover between the people sitting on local councils and those working on local drug and alcohol task forces, for example. They must be there for people, and if one take this responsibility seriously - and the councillors I meet definitely do - one ends up working extremely long hours on top of one's regular job. This leaves councillors in a difficult position where they are doing another full-time job, but they are doing it after work or are taking unpaid leave to follow up with constituents. They spend less time with their families as a result. The low pay means it just is not viable for most people and many feel it is unsustainable, particularly for those on lower incomes or those who do not have very flexible conditions in their primary job.

This was made much worse when council sizes were cut in 2014. A smaller number of councillors are now expected to represent a much larger number of people, often across huge geographical areas. I have often been told by councillors, particularly rural councillors, that they cover thousands of kilometres to see constituents and attend meetings. One councillor described it to me as a daily routine of being on the phone, being in the car, grabbing a coffee and getting back in the car, with returning home after midnight being standard.

In this situation, the car or van is one's office. Many councillors would like more engagement on how the small expenses allowed can be vouched and used. For example, meeting rooms are sometimes less important than being able to cover the costs of wear and tear and driving thousands of kilometres every week. People do not serve on councils for the money, but if we make it financially impossible for them then many good councillors will drop out, or not step forward in 2019.

Many councillors have also spoken to me in recent weeks about the proposed cuts to constituency sizes for local government. I urge the Minister to reconsider this. It will have a hugely negative effect on independents and smaller parties. As an Independent Senator, I am proud of the achievements that I and my fellow Independents have had in this House, from putting forward Private Members' Bills to amending Government legislation. Irish politics needs strong, independent voices, particularly those who will represent the most vulnerable in society.