I propose an amendment to the Order of Business in line with non-Government motion No. 6 on the Order Paper. The Fianna Fáil group proposes: “That Seanad Éireann calls for a Seanad committee representative of all the political groups to be established in order to examine councillors’ terms and conditions, including PRSI class K status, pension rights and other related matters and that this committee would consult with representatives from both the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA)”.

Is the Senator proposing that the motion be taken today?

Yes. Following the 2014 local government reforms, the areas served by councillors have expanded and their workload has increased. In counties with a small population such as Carlow councillors are faced with a shortage of funding to carry out even basic works like grass cutting, for example. This leads to a lot of frustration. Councillors have to deal directly with communities who are paying extra taxes, like the local property tax. The communities, therefore, have greater expectations of the work to be carried out by their local authority, when, in reality, the councils are doing more work. It is not only important but essential that the Minister sets up this committee to work with AILG, LAMA and all of the political groups here. Every councillor deserves a proper stamp and proper pension rights-----

On a point of order, I cannot hear what the Senator is saying with the amount of traffic in the House and I want to hear her point. The Senator is trying to get above the noise.

I take the Senator's point. Ciúnas.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell is correct that the noise was very loud.

It is not a train station.

Absolutely. It is not only important but essential that the Minister sets up this committee to liaise with AILG, LAMA and all of the political groups. Councillors deserve a proper stamp and pension rights. I was a councillor for 19 years on Carlow County Council and like other councillors and Senators who have been councillors previously, I was honoured to represent my community. However, councillors have been affected by what is called local government reform. There have been cutbacks everywhere and local authorities and councillors have been affected. I ask the Minister to address the House. It is essential that councillors receive their entitlements, which is what we in the Fianna Fáil group are looking for.