Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach. I thank the Minister of State for taking time out of his busy schedule for coming to the House. I have raised the issue of councillors' terms and conditions on many occasions, as have other Senators. There is a great deal of frustration regarding the pace of progress - or, indeed, the lack of progress - on this issue. I acknowledge the great and tireless work carried out on behalf of local elected members by their two representative bodies, the Association of Local Government and the Local Authority Members Association, on this issue. I acknowledge the Minister of State's contribution in respect of this issue to date. He has appointed Sara Moorhead, SC, to examine this matter and make recommendations in respect of the remuneration and role of elected members. I understand Ms Moorhead is due to make her recommendations known later next month. Perhaps the Minister of State might be able to tie down that timeframe in more detail. I sincerely hope, as do many others, including him, that the report will be positive with regard to local authority members.

The Minister of State comes from a local authority background and he no doubt appreciates that the role of local authority members has changed beyond recognition. It has effectively become a full-time role that attracts part-time remuneration. It is vital that we try, where possible, to attract the best people to represent our communities. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and hard-working local authority members across all parties and none who work tirelessly on behalf of their communities. Their workload has grown to such an extent that many local authority members are finding it difficult to continue in the role because, financially, it is not possible for them to do so. That is a shame. As councillors look towards the local elections due to be held next May, many are considering their position because they do not believe they will be able to support themselves and their families on the small amount of remuneration they receive. We have reached to a crossroads regarding local authority members. I do not think I am overstating that point. It is important that we address this issue and bring clarity to it before the local elections next May in order that those who might seek re-election will know exactly what will be their terms, conditions and role into the future. It is also important that those who may be contemplating representing the communities from which they come are afforded clarity before the local elections.

I look forward to the Minister of State's response. I do not doubt his sincerity for one minute in respect of this issue. I am heartened that he seems to have grasped the nettle and I hope he might be in a position to outline what the future may look like for local authority members.