Local Authority Members

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016

Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Questions (776)

Robert Troy

Question:

776. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the guidelines in place to ensure that there are consistent and adequate supports to assist members of local authorities carry out their representations effectively given that they do not receive an allowance for an office and there are inconsistencies between councils in terms of the supports they receive regarding a broadband connection, basic computer and printer facilities to do their representations from their homes. [6099/16]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The allowances and expenses payable to elected members of local authorities to assist them in carrying out their statutory functions are as provided for under the Local Government (Expenses of Local Authority Members) Regulations 2014, other secondary legislation and associated guidelines/directions (including Circular LG 5/2015 of 25 June 2015). Other supports are provided by individual local authorities in accordance with local circumstances. An Advisory Group, on which both elected members and local authority chief executives as well as my Department are represented, is examining a range of issues affecting the sector, including the workload of elected members and related supports.