Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are here to represent the public. It is very much an interactive model. We have a particular system in Ireland where we are very close to the public and we must maintain that. It brings an added dimension to our political life that is not available in some other countries. For that to happen, we must have respect on both sides. That is the case for the majority of the public. I would hate to have a situation whereby the behaviour of a few impinges on our interactive electoral system that works very well for the politicians and more particularly for the public.

I note with interest the recent publication of SI 196 of 2023 and my Department will exam the details of the emerging security allowance scheme for Oireachtas members closely. As I said, it will have to be introduced by way of a statutory instrument, ministerial regulations under section 142 of the Local Government Act and countersigned by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.

I acknowledge the work of both AILG and LAMA, which are representative associations for their members. We will continue to interact with the Oireachtas on the design of the scheme. We will see exactly what comes out of that. We will then look to create a business case for councillors, we will look at security and we will look at the specific circumstances for councillors. We will then produce a business case that will have to go to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. We will interact with representative associations on this matter and we will continue to work on it.

I thank Senator Davitt and the House for the opportunity to speak about this very important issue.