Seanad Public Consultation Committee to engage with leaders of political parties and groups on Future of Local Democracy, including the abuse and harassment encountered by local election candidates

In particular, the Committee wishes to explore possible recommendations and initiatives following the local elections, including the abuse and harassment encountered by local election candidates and members of local authorities, the changes to the powers of local authorities in recent years, how diversity may be promoted in local authority structures and how councillors may be supported in their roles.

Last summer, the Committee initially opened this public consultation and invited submissions from the public, before holding a range of public hearings with Councillors representing all regions of Ireland, including the Lord Mayors, Mayors and Council Cathaoirligh, former Ministers with responsibility for Local Government, as well as a number of representative bodies within local government from the island of Ireland.

These hearings will help to form the basis of the report and recommendations from the Committee, and pursuant to this, the it will discuss possible initiatives and solutions with party leaders on recommendations aimed at improving local government services in Ireland.

Commenting on the upcoming public hearing, the Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Seanad, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Committee, Senator Mark Daly, said: “The Committee is nearing the end of its work on its public consultation and is grateful to all who have engaged with us so far.

“We are now exploring the practicalities around implementing the recommendations it is considering, as well as the political viewpoints on how local democracy should evolve in Ireland, and this is something we would like to engage with political parties and groupings about directly.

“In particular, some of the matters we have identified relate to the very serious issue of abuse and harassment aimed at those who put themselves forward to serve their local communities.”

The rapporteur for the consultation, Senator Shane Cassells, added: “The role of the councillor in current local government structures is a further issue the Committee wishes to explore, and this includes practical matters, such as the supports and training to those who are elected to local government.

“The Committee is looking at proposing some initiatives in this area, and thanks all who made submissions and offered ideas and suggestions to us.”

Letters of invitation have been issues to the leaders of all parties and groups represented in the Dáil, including representatives of the technical groups, as well as to the Independent Group and Civic Engagement Group in the Seanad. The meeting at 9:00am in the Seanad Chamber can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

These hearings represent the current stage of the Committee’s process, following the public notice calling for submissions that was published in July 2023.