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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - Expenses of Councillors.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

317 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the unanimous rejection by Dublin Corporation Councillors of the new expenses arrangements due to the difficulty these arrangements impose in carrying on the democratic administration of the city by the capping of numbers of meetings at such a low level and the hardship they impose on part-time politicians, he will review the expenses band for Dublin City Council.

The new system of annual allowances to compensate councillors for expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the course of their duties as councillors applies from 1 January, 1994. The system was determined in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1991, following a careful review of the existing position and lengthy consultations with councillors and their representative bodies.

The number of meetings to be held is entirely a matter for each local authority; the question of a legal limit on the number of such meetings does not arise. I believe that all local authorities, including Dublin Corporation, can be relied on to ensure that meetings are arranged and business conducted in a way which is consistent with efficient operation and which does not impose unreasonable demands on members.

While I do not accept that the new system is likely to create problems for the administration of any local authority, it will be kept under review in the light of experience of its operation over a reasonable period.

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