The issue of security measures for County Councillors has been raised in the Seanad by a Tipperary Senator.
Fine Gael’s Garret Ahearn says the uptake of a scheme introduced by the government has been poor due to the fact the councillors have to come up with half of the costs involved.
He told the Upper House that the demand on politicians and in particular local representatives has increased significantly over the years.
“Councillors aren’t massively paid and to have that money up front to be able to pay for something and then to be repaid only 50% its not hugely encouraging for Councillors to do it.
“So essentially Minister what I’m asking is that you would consider looking at the changes that have been made over the last number of months for Oireachtas members where the amount you can spend has been increased by two and a half times and most importantly that its 100% rebate.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government John Cummins told the Upper House that only 23 County Councillors have taken up the grant available to improve security measures.
He says changes to the system to allow full reimbursement for Councillors is not an issue.
“I want to see progress on this without delay because the security of Councillors right across this country is of the utmost importance to me. What my officials have done thus far is engage with Revenue who have indicated that the 100% element that you referred to, that there isn’t an issue there.
“But what my officials have to do now is make a business case to the Minister for Public Expenditure.”
