Security allowance for councillors to be examined

The news that a security allowance for councillors will be examined by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has been described as a "good news day" by Senator Aidan Davitt.

The Fianna Fail man commented after he received confirmation from Minister Kieran O'Donnell that the department is looking introducing a scheme for councillors similar to the one introduced for Oireachtas members which includes a once-off financial contribution of a sum not exceeding €5,000 or 50 per cent of a members total security requirement costs, whichever is the lesser.

In reply to a query for Senator Davitt, Minister O’Donnell said: “Officials from my department have been in touch with their Oireachtas counterparts, whom I understand are currently working out the details of the scheme for Oireachtas Members. I have asked my officials to study the full details of the Oireachtas scheme closely, once they are finalised and available, with a view to preparing a specific business case for the introduction of a similar security allowance for councillors, taking into account their particular context.”

Senator Davitt thanked the Minister, and said, “It is great news that he is actively looking at this scheme. I have no doubt that its roll-out will happen in time. I really appreciate his work.

"I appreciate that he has looked at the different categories in relation to the allowances. He is keeping us updated on what the different allowances can be spent on, as he discussed here with us previously. I thank him very much again. This is a good news day for councillors.”