Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. It is important that we discuss the local democracy task force today and the important role of local government across the country. The programme for Government recognises that real democracy begins at local level. It was in this spirit that the Seanad's local democracy task force produced its reports. The findings were clear: local government in Ireland is underpowered, under-resourced and in urgent need of reform. Having served as a councillor on Cork County Council from 2019 until February this year, I am acutely aware of the continual erosion of the powers of local representatives since the introduction of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, including the abolition of urban district councils and town councils. I acknowledge and commend the work of our councillors. It is an alleged part-time role that in reality is full time. Too often, the role of councillors is misunderstood or underestimated. They play an instrumental role in delivering housing through local area plans, supporting local communities, advocating for better roads and water infrastructure and providing a voice for many. The programme for Government committed to establishing a task force on local democracy. It is vital this commitment is now implemented. We need to rebalance the relationship between local and central government. Councillors have a large burden of work yet hold less power and authority than many of their European colleagues. They face online abuse and harassment and security concerns but continue relentlessly to represent their localities to a very high standard. We need to provide greater remuneration and support for councillors and ensure they have meaningful autonomy over key areas from housing and climate resilience to economic development and heritage protection. I noticed during the Seanad campaign a great discrepancy in the powers and functions exercised by councillors from local authority to local authority. Some seem to have much greater input into county development plans and local area plans than others. Some local authorities provide discretionary funds for councillors to allocate and others do not. This is not good enough. We need a national conversation, as was mentioned, about subsidiarity. We need to place more trust in our councillors. I ask the Minister to outline a timeline for the establishment and implementation of the local democracy task force as promised in the programme for Government. I ask that it be centred on the lived experience of councillors. We have had enough of reviews and consultations. We need to take action.