asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make arrangements whereby all members of county councils will be allowed free postage in the discharge of their duties as public representatives.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Councillors' Postage.
82.
The introduction of a scheme to allow free postage to members of local authorities would require amending legislation. I am having the matter examined in conjunction with the wider question of local government reform which is at present under consideration.
Members of local authorities are under a handicap if they are in competition with one of us. We have free postage but county councillors have not. I would ask the Minister to consider this. As somebody who has not been here very long, I know all about it.
I am considering it, but I would remind Deputy Callanan that there was no scarcity of people who were anxious for this in June of last year.
The Minister can imagine the difference between a Deputy and a county councillor. One man can send out his replies with free postage and the other has to pay postage. It is grossly unfair.
If Deputy Callanan has a conscience about it he might put a 7p stamp on the envelope.
I am being serious about this.
I met a deputation about this and I think they know what my views are. I am having a look at the whole matter.