Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. I also welcome the Minister of State to the House to discuss this very important issue.

My initial thought on what has been presented to use is that it is very disappointing. I will go as far as to say it is insulting to the hard-working local authority members - male and female - who serve their communities so well throughout the country. This Government, like that which preceded it, is presiding over the destruction of local democracy. We are actually chasing people out of their roles as local authority members.

I have read through some of the proposals contained in the Bill. The figure of €1,000 is, as previous speakers indicated, a pittance. The entire document sticks two fingers up to local authority members. I get no satisfaction from saying that. Councillors will be able to claim vouched expenses of up to €5,000 but they will have to send documentation to the relevant local authority each month. This will add to their workload. Instead of trying to reduce their workload, we are adding to it. The expenses for mileage are also very disappointing. The one positive I take from this is the fact that, by his own admission, the Minister of State is a former county councillor and Senator. He should have sympathy and understanding local authority members in the context of the work they do.

The Minister of State referred to a review. I sincerely hope this is not a situation where we are kicking the can down the road. I would like the him to indicate what will be the timeframe for the review and when we can expect the results to be forthcoming.

County councillors do great work. In the Cavan-Monaghan constituency in which I live, three councillors have left during this term and all cited the fact that they found it impossible to hold down jobs while serving as members of the local authority and trying to do their work in this regard properly. It is clear that there is a crisis here. I would ask the Minister of State, as a former councillor, to grasp this opportunity and come back with proposals on a specified timeframe in order that we might not only retain the members of local authorities we are so fortunate to have but also, come the next election, will be able to attract and encourage other people to seek election.