COUNCILLORS COULD BE in store for a pay increase as the remuneration and other supports provided to councillors is going to be reviewed.

The Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform John Paul Phelan is commissioning a review of the role of elected members of local authorities.

He added that the review will also consider the remuneration and other supports provided to assist councillors in carrying out their duties. Minister Phelan said:

It is only justifiable that they [Councillors] receive the necessary supports to allow them to fulfil their role as public representatives, in particular with regard to the carrying out of the functions assigned to them.

“I want to encourage and support a high calibre of elected councils across the country with a capacity to utilise their powers as effectively as possible for the benefit of local communities.

“This requires that the remuneration for individual councillors is fit for purpose, operates to the highest ethical standards and is fully transparent.”

‘Consultation with elected members’ 

A statement from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government said there would be “consultation with elected members and their representative organisations”.

It named these as the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and Local Authority Members Association (LAMA)), County and City Management Association (CCMA) and wider consultation as appropriate.

The review will produce an interim report within five months.

When a final review is completed, it will be discussed by the Departments of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Public Expenditure and Reform. It will be submitted for the consideration of the government.

Minister Phelan added, “Effective local government structures are essential for our democracy.

From my own experience in local government, I believe councillors are sincere, hard-working and give much of their own time in engaging with and contributing to their local communities.

“It is important that the role of councillors is clearly understood. Following the implementation of the local government reforms, in June 2014, councillors now have a broader portfolio of functions than before.”