Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - Local Authority Members Expenses.

Tony Gregory

Question:

142 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment the outcome of his Department's review of the implementation of the new regulations for the payment of expenses to members of local authorities; if the statistics available to his Department confirm that Dublin Corporation councillors receive less remuneration than members of almost all other local authorities while attending more meetings; his views on whether the new regulations work to the disadvantage of and are more discriminatory against Dublin Corporation councillors; and if he will review the regulations to redress the imbalance. [12714/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Following a review of the system of expenses for members of local authorities introduced in 1994, a number of improvements were made and notified to local authorities last August.

The annual allowance comprises three elements to meet general representational expenses, subsistence costs, and travel expenses based on the member's home location relative to council headquarters. The allowance is not intended to constitute a salary or remuneration, but only to meet expenses incurred under these headings. The travel, element would, of course, tend to be lower in the case of urban-based local authorities (such as Dublin Corporation), where the distances which have to be travelled are less.

The recent adjustments,inter alia, have automatically linked travel and subsistence rate alterations to those for senior officers. The system allows for reasonable payments for local authority members generally, including Dublin Corporation, and taking account of all relevant factors, I consider it to be a fair and reasonable one. I do not envisage a further review given the automatic linkage and other adjustments which now apply.

The number of meetings held, the number and size of committees, subcommittees etc., and the frequency of their meetings are matters for decision by councillors themselves.