Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review local authority electoral area boundaries in advance of the next local elections particularly having regard to the significant population changes experienced in many areas since the boundaries were last reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18471/07]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review boundaries in advance of the local elections due to be held in June 2009; his further plans to introduce the option of a pension for Councillors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18538/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 560 together.

Unlike for Dáil constituencies, there are no constitutional or statutory requirements in relation to the frequency of local electoral area reviews. The last review of local electoral areas was carried out in 1998. The June 2004 local elections took place on the basis of the existing local electoral areas.

The next local elections are due to take place in 2009. I will be considering the review of the local electoral areas in the light of the final results from Census 2006 and other relevant factors.

Substantial improvements were introduced to the range of financial supports for local authority elected members with effect from 1 January last. These included significant enhancements of the gratuity payable to retiring members. The gratuity arrangements, rather than a pension, are considered to be the most appropriate way to recognise the public service of retiring members.