Councillors' pensions
Senator Aidan Davitt raised the unimplemented pension element of the Moorhead report for councillors. The Cathaoirleach agreed it was an important matter and said many Members would share the concern.
I want to raise councillors' pensions. I know we discussed this recently. I refer to the Moorhead report and its full implementation. The report contained the recommendation that councillors be given grade 4 civil servant status and the pay and all other associated benefits linked to that grade. That is very welcome, progressive and was hard fought for at the time.
One part of that report, however, has not been implemented. It states: "Councillors do not currently receive a pension nor do they make compulsory reductions towards ... retirement benefits." They pay a PRSI stamp at 4%, so that is actually factually incorrect. I know that has slightly changed since the report has been brought out. Anyway, the paragraph continues: "An interdepartmental group should be established to examine the options for introducing a contributory ... scheme for councillors with the aim of introducing such a scheme with effect from the commencement of the next local government term in May 2024." The time is upon us now, after our recent local elections, to implement this part of the report. I know time is against us as regards this Government, as Senator Gavan said, but this is something I am working on and will continue to work on. Whoever will be here in my place, whether I will be back here or whether it will be someone else, it is very important that this House works for councillors to implement this. It is the least that can be done. Councillors are the same as everyone else. They get their lump sum when they retire but they are entitled to a pension because they are paying a stamp for it. There is no doubt about that.
The sooner we put the case together and get the group together, the better. It certainly is the way forward. A councillor I have been working with is happy to take a test case, but it would be better to work this out within the system here. The Leader might talk to our Minister and we might have a debate, time allowing.