Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know that the issue of councillors' pay and conditions will be discussed with the Minister tomorrow evening but I will not be able to attend the Chamber for the debate due to a family bereavement. Therefore, I note that I am glad the debate is to take place because it is an important matter.

Many Members of the House are in regular and close contact with our local authority members throughout the country. They do a fantastic job. Their pay and conditions were changed and these changes mean that the majority of them are out of pocket regarding mileage, making a bad situation even worse. Local authority members who stood for election for the first time on the last occasion tell me they are not in a position to contest the elections again. They cannot afford it.

These are young people with responsibilities such as those associated with mortgages, child care and the general rearing of families. They cannot afford to be local authority members any longer. This is a disgraceful situation that throws their hard work in their face and makes their situation even worse.

I hope the Minister will address the matter in a meaningful fashion. I appreciate the time he has given to the Chamber tomorrow night. Many contributions will be made across the House. I hope that we can move forward tomorrow night with these concerns being addressed fully.