I propose to take Questions Nos. 311, 312 and 313 together.
I announced the establishment of an independent Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee on 15 November 2012. An objective in reviewing electoral areas is to achieve a better balance and consistency in representation ratios and, logically, there is a strong case for reducing the degree of representational imbalance currently in the Dublin authorities. The terms of reference for Committee specify, therefore, that the number of members in Dublin City Council shall be fixed at 63 and in every other council, other than Cork County Council, shall be subject to a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 40 members.
In this context, I am conscious that any decrease in the population to member ratio as a result of rebalancing of representation, will have implications for the size of some councils and the associated efficiency and cost. Nonetheless, I am satisfied that the substantial reduction in council seats country wide together with the implementation of changes to structures, functions and funding and the pursuit of operational and organisational efficiency measures, including a revised financial support framework for councillors, will result in a local government system that delivers a wide range of functions and services more efficiently and effectively.
In relation to the cost of additional council seats, the Action Programme for Effective Local Government
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Putting People First, proposes that the structures for, and levels of, all payments to councillors will be reviewed, while having regard to the reformed sub-county structure and regional governance and the need to ensure sufficient incentive for high-quality representation of the community. Currently it is estimated that payments to councillors in the Dublin local authorities amount to approximately €26,000 per annum.