Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
134. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be provided to county councillors to provide increased personal security measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6246/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Local Government (Expenses of Local Authority Members) Regulations 2021 a range of allowances are payable to councillors to support them in carrying out their role, including the Local Representation Allowance (LRA).
The LRA is a flexible allowance with 14 eligible expenditure categories under which a councillor may claim expenses which are wholly and exclusively incurred by them in the performance of their duties up to a maximum of €5,160 per annum. As a vouched allowance, a councillor must be able to provide relevant documentation in the form of bills, receipts, invoices, etc., for expenses he or she has incurred.
The eligible expenditure categories include improvements to office accommodation and utilities of an office, including home offices. Most councillors work from home some of the time, so may use a space in their home as an office. Installation costs of CCTV/security systems may be covered in full under the improvements to office accommodation category. Monthly/annual costs associated with home alarm monitoring may also be apportioned and claimed under utilities up to a maximum of 20% of the total cost.
My Department will shortly issue revised expenses directions to local authorities further clarifying that councillors may claim expenses under the LRA to improve their home security.
My Department is separately engaging with councillor representatives in relation to practical solutions aimed at further improving councillor security. These include the provision of training, with the assistance of senior Gardaí, giving advice to councillors in relation to their home security and safety at, for example, public meetings.
Improved home security measures can help somewhat to reassure councillors and provide peace of mind for them and their families. However, there are wider questions of civility in public life and respect for elected office which must be tackled at a societal level.
