Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is good to see my old sparring partner, Councillor Dermot Lacey, who is always an advocate for the importance of local government. I thank the Minister for being here. I know from being part of a delegation with him about two weeks ago that he is supportive of local government and councillors.

Councillors are the backbone of our democracy. They do untold work on many levels in all of their communities. A significant number of functions are carried out at local government level. Local authorities deliver over 1,100 services in communities around Ireland. That is quite incredible.

The basis of the Maastricht treaty was the principle of subsidiarity, namely that the decisions that would affect our citizens would be made as close as possible to the citizen. That meant our local councillors. At the time, we had town councillors. We had just devolved from having town commissions. Of course, there are also county councillors. Knowing the number of councillors I do and having been a member of three local authorities - I was a member of a town commission, a town council and a county council - I am very familiar with the work, dedication and commitment of our local authority memories. I see that first hand when dealing with councillors in Kildare and others across the country.

At the same time, they have all of the accountability without having the budget or powers. Huge decisions need to be made at local authority level. In many instances, the executive makes the decisions. It is about time that we gave direct power back to those who are elected to represent the people where they live in their communities and whom they serve.

Along with many of my colleagues, I have spoken to councillors who have made the decision not to go forward for election again. I have also spoken to people who considered it, but when they see the level of work, time and commitment required they realise it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. While there was a time where people could balance a daytime job with the functions of councillors, including council meetings, because there could be an area meeting and full council meeting once a month along with extra meetings for development plans and budgets, that is not the case now. It is very difficult for people who want to commit to serving their community and give a voice to those that do not have one to be able to balance having a full-time job, possibly without flexibility, while also being a public representative. We have to make it worthwhile for those who may be willing to give up a full-time job.

The Minister has made a final decision on the revised gratuity scheme from June 2024, which I am pleased to hear. That is important. It was something that came up a number of times. Many people have given up their careers to be able to serve. This is public service at its very best. Even though there are times when being a public representative is difficult - we have all had experience of that, such as social media, bullying, intimidation, etc. – at the same time there is generally and genuinely a great respect and affection for those who are elected at local government level. We need to be able to support those who wish to put their names forward for and continue in an elected role.

I also want to remark on the introduction of maternity leave, which happened during this mandate. It was an important move. I am glad the Government is moving in the right direction on that. The security allowance is not a significant amount of money, but it would make a difference. If we as public representatives are entitled to receive it, then those serving in local government should also be entitled to it.

I had the opportunity to read the report of the Council of Europe, as a member of the Council and the Irish delegation. It was concerning. Liam Kenny brought it to my attention some months ago. There are many lessons in it for us. When we talk to other public representatives across Europe and see the level of authority and support they have, it is important that we try to equate, at an Irish level, with that.

While there is criticism in the report, the people who are serving as a local level are terrific. They work hard. We should consider bringing back town councils. Any town which had a town council, even with a small budget, saw the benefit of having it. I thank the Chair for giving me the opportunity to speak and my colleagues for bringing the motion forward.