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

I again thank the Senator for raising the important matter of councillors' retirement gratuity. I will make a couple of points. I have been in this role for a relatively short time. I have given priority to councillors' security costs and there are also the issues of the gratuity for councillors and getting maternity leave for women councillors embedded.

The views Senator Hoey expressed will be given serious consideration. There are two aspects to the timing. We have to get this right. I want to ensure this stands up and that there is a logic to anything I take to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. We must get this right out of respect to councillors. It does not need to be rushed but there is a timing aspect. It is my intention to make any adjustments that are required in a timely manner. I am acutely aware that local elections are coming up next year. I am firmly of the view that anyone thinking of running for election to local office should be able to know the conditions pertaining to his or her retirement gratuity. It is a priority for me in the context of the overall interests of councillors. We are doing a serious body of work on the review. I am looking to have this matter concluded as quickly as possible. It is vital that we get it correct.