Local Authority Members

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2010

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Ceisteanna (418, 419)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

436 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will specify the specific section of an Act or legal instrument which prevents a local authority paying the appropriate cessation allowance to a local authority member who has spent a full term on the council and has lost their seat but was under 50 years of age at the date of the loss of their seat if same is deferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23402/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The terms applicable to local authority members who cease to hold office on or after 19 December 2006 are covered in the Local Authority Members (Gratuity) (Amendment) Regulations 2006. A member who has not attained the age of 50 on cessation, but who satisfies the minimum service requirement, can be paid a preserved gratuity on reaching the age of 50 in accordance with Article 5(1) of the Regulations.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

437 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will indicate if it is appropriate that a representational allowance be awarded to a duly elected member of a local authority when such a person might be in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance or disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23403/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

A member of a local authority is entitled to receive a Representational Payment whether or not he or she is in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection. It is a matter for that Department to determine whether or not a local authority member in receipt of a Representational Payment is entitled to receive a payment under any of its schemes.