Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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109. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if an update will be provided on the Moorhead Report; and when the circular will be issued in relation to councillor's expenses and gratuities. [51531/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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On 1 July 2021, I, with the agreement of Mr Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, gave effect to new regulations made under section 142 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended. The new regulations implemented proposals approved by Government to reform the remuneration payable to local councillors, which rebalanced financial supports away from expenses allowances in favour of more normal, taxable salaried income. This is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the Moorhead Report within 12 months.

A circular was issued by my Department to local authorities on 30 June 2021 to notify them of the new regulations and the main provisions therein. Currently there is ongoing consultation between my Department and the Revenue Commissioners regarding the specific expenses and allowances payable to elected members. A further circular will issue to local authorities as soon as possible once this process has concluded.  

In addition, a working group of key local government stakeholders, including councillor representative organisations, was established earlier this year tasked with drawing up an Action Plan for examination and implementation of the non-pay related recommendations in the Moorhead Report. An Action Plan was approved by the working group before the summer and the group has now turned its attention to the implementation of the actions agreed. 

Addressing these non-pay issues, together with the significant pay reforms that were approved by Government and brought into effect on 1 July 2021, will facilitate the retention of existing councillors, while also maximising the accessibility of local government to future candidates.