Keith Swanick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I will be very brief. The issue I raise impacts on a small number of local authority members - it impacts on them nonetheless -and clarity in respect to the guidelines would be very much appreciated.

Under the section on personal leave, Department Circular 0032/2007 states that those who are members of public bodies, for example, county councils or statutory local bodies, are allowed up to ten days in a school year. Obviously, this absence applies only where meetings are held during school opening hours. As a result of the 2014 local government reform, there are ten monthly meetings during school terms, five municipal meetings and one budget meeting. There are also special meetings that can be convened occasionally. Does the Minister have any plans to update the Department circulars to reflect the additional workload of the local authority members?

In response to a parliamentary question on a similar matter, the Minister articulated that local authority members must get prior approval from the boards of management of schools in order to attend meetings and that, in approving such leave, the boards must take into consideration the welfare and educational needs of students. I am told that is becoming somewhat problematic. Department circulars provide for the absence up to ten days per year but cover for such absences is an issue for the schools and the local authority members involved. For those members who have a duty as public representatives and as educators, this is undoubtedly a strain.

We are all aware of the barriers that exist for women and men who are thinking of entering politics. They are vast but some are much easier to address than others and I believe that we can make small changes and provisions to break down barriers and encourage inclusivity in politics. It should not be a case of one or the other.

I am seeking clarification on whether the Department has plans to update the guidelines to bring them into line with the increased workload of local authority members.