Local Authority Members

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (403, 416, 418)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

403. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the implementation of the Moorhead Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15116/20]

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

416. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the Moorhead Report; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15409/20]

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

418. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the pay rise recommended for city and county councillors in the Moorhead Report will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15568/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 403, 416 and 418 together.

The report of the Independent Review of the Role and Remuneration of Elected Members, led by Ms Sara Moorhead SC, was brought to Government on Friday, 19 June 2020, and then published. The Report was circulated on that date to all local authority elected members and to members of both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Report is available on my Department's website at https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/independent_review_of_role_and_remuneration_of_local_authority_elected_members.pdf

The Programme for Government Our Shared Future has a commitment to "implement the Moorhead Report on the Role and Remuneration of Local Authority Elected Members within 12 months". Meeting this commitment is a priority within my Department.

Any changes to elected members' remuneration will require new regulations under section 142 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, which must be given effect with the consent of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.