Vol. 548 No. 5
305 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the mechanisms he has established for the processing of grievances, either general or particular, raised by members of local authorities in relation to the representation payments he has introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5294/02]
306 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the basis on which he calculated the levels of representation payments for members of local authorities; the rationale for the levels which he has established; the basis for the different levels of payment applying to different categories of local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5295/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.
The scheme of representational payment, RP, for councillors which was introduced following extensive consultations with the local government associations, is one element of an overall package of measures designed to enhance the role of local government and the elected member. These include constitutional recognition and guaranteed local elections; a modern legislative framework underpinning the central role of the elected council; updated financial management and personnel systems; a better focus on efficiency, corporate planning and customer service; training for councillors and record funding levels for local authorities.
As part of this programme the RP is intended to provide practical support for elected members in their work, without losing sight of the important principle of voluntary public service, long associated with the role of the councillor. The level of the RP has been set at quarter of a Senator's salary for county and city councillors and under the regulations will remain so linked for the future. Such linkage provides a mechanism for the RP to increase automatically and safeguards its value in real terms. The payment framework provides for proportionate payments to members of town councils and is somewhat similar to that for the annual allowance.
The question of payment of the RP is a matter for individual authorities, in accordance with the statutory regulations and rules governing the scheme. Such payments are additional to the existing annual allowance which has been maintained and improved.
