asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that members attending county council meetings only get allowance for travelling expenses at the rate of 5d. per mile one way, and are only paid that allowance if they attend 75 per cent. of meetings held during the year; and whether, as this arrangement presses heavily on members living at a distance, proposals for legislation will be introduced to provide more liberal travelling expenses for such members.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COUNTY COUNCILLORS' TRAVELLING ALLOWANCES.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Prior to the passing of the Local Government Act, 1925, members received no allowances for travelling expenses. The concession then made was very fully considered by the Oireachtas. It was not intended that the contribution would meet the full cost. It is not now proposed to introduce any further legislation on the matter.
Mr. WOLFE
Is the Minister aware that this minimum attendance of 75 per cent. at meetings presses very hard on certain members who have to travel long distances? Even a medical certificate is not possible in certain cases, and it may happen that the whole lot of the allowance for travelling expenses is lost through being unable to get credit for one meeting which could not be attended through illness.
The limits with regard to the amount of payment and the requirements regarding attendances were considered by the Oireachtas a very short time ago, and I think it is too soon to re-open the question.